The Oyo State Government has officially dropped all charges against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The three had been facing legal action over the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in December 2024, which led to the deaths of at least 35 children.
Following the court session on Thursday, the defendants were visibly relieved as they smiled and exchanged pleasantries, a clear sign that they were now free from legal troubles.
Why the Charges Were Dropped
The Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, explained the government’s decision to discontinue the case, saying it was made in the interest of justice.
Aikomo stated, “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. Whenever death occurs in unnatural circumstances, the law must take its course. That was why the state initially filed charges against those who were implicated in the investigation.”
However, he noted that the accused individuals had shown genuine remorse and compassion for the victims and their families.
He continued, “In the course of the legal process, we saw that they expressed empathy and made efforts to console the affected families. The goal of prosecution is not to kill or persecute people, but to seek justice. After careful consideration, we felt that discontinuing the charges was the right decision.”
Aikomo confirmed that the case was withdrawn and struck out by the court, meaning the accused individuals are now free from any legal consequences related to the incident.
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A Tragic Incident That Shocked Oyo State
The tragedy occurred during a children’s funfair event in December 2024, where an overwhelming crowd led to a stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children. The incident sparked outrage across the country, with many calling for accountability and stricter event safety measures.
The state government immediately launched an investigation, which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi, who were linked to the organization and security arrangements of the event.
However, as the case progressed, public sentiment shifted, with many arguing that the accused individuals were not directly responsible for the tragedy. The legal proceedings also revealed that the defendants had actively supported the victims’ families and had shown deep remorse over the incident.
Mixed Reactions to the Court’s Decision
The decision to drop the charges has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some support the move, others believe justice was not fully served.
A resident of Ibadan, Mrs. Adeola Ogunleye, expressed relief over the ruling. “It is a sad case, but these people did not set out to harm anyone. They have shown remorse, and I think it’s fair that the charges were dropped.”
However, another resident, Mr. Kunle Ajayi, disagreed. “This tragedy claimed the lives of innocent children. Someone has to take responsibility. Just because they showed empathy does not mean they should go free.”