Stampede: Oyo charges Ooni’s ex-Queen, others with murder
The Oyo State Government has filed eight charges, including murder and manslaughter, against Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
These charges are related to the tragic stampede that occurred on December 18, 2024, during a children’s funfair, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
The charge sheet, labeled I/05C/2025, was submitted to the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan on Friday, January 10, 2025. The Oyo State Government is listed as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are the defendants.
READ ALSO: Ibadan stampede: ‘Help free my daughter’, Naomi’s mother cries out
The government has accused the defendants of conspiring to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and failure to ensure public safety, leading to the deaths of the children. These offenses are punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The charge sheet, obtained by The PUNCH, names 14 of the 35 victims, detailing their ages and identities. Among them are Musiliu Sofiat (8 years), Lekan Salami (7 years), Feyikemi Salam (1.5 years), Olaniyan Joshua (1.5 years), Laeef Muisi (8 years), Opeyemi Ayomide (4 years), and several others.
READ ALSO: Makinde calls for trial of Ibadan stampede culprits
The state has alleged that the defendants were negligent in failing to provide proper security, crowd control, and medical facilities at the event. This negligence is said to have directly contributed to the stampede, resulting in the deaths of the children, in violation of Section 308 and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code.
Fasasi faces a four-count charge, including conspiracy, negligent acts leading to harm, and failure to provide necessary security and medical services.
Governor Seyi Makinde had previously announced that the state would pursue prosecution against the accused. The defendants have been in police custody since December 24, 2024, following their arrests.
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