The Oyo State High Court on Monday granted bail to Prophetess 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, Basorun.
The trio is facing charges in connection with a tragic stampede at a children’s funfair that led to the deaths of approximately 35 students.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin approved their bail applications, setting conditions that included ₦10 million bail bonds for each defendant and two sureties of equivalent value. Additionally, the court imposed a strict directive prohibiting Agidigbo FM from broadcasting any content related to the ongoing trial.
The defendants, who were remanded in custody pending their bail hearing, had applied for bail last Tuesday. Their legal counsel argued that they posed no flight risk and had demonstrated a willingness to cooperate fully with investigative authorities.
However, Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the applications, citing the severity of the charges and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The charges against the defendants include negligence and criminal conspiracy.
The charges stem from a chaotic stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, during a funfair for children. The event, which was intended to provide recreation, turned into a nightmare as overcrowding and alleged lapses in crowd control led to the fatal incident. Witness accounts and preliminary investigations pointed to organizational failures as contributing factors.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while underscoring the importance of accountability, expressed no objection to the bail applications. His administration emphasized its commitment to ensuring due legal processes while providing support for affected families.
The stringent bail terms are intended to ensure the defendants remain accessible to the court throughout the proceedings. The prohibition on media coverage by Agidigbo FM seeks to protect the integrity of the trial and prevent undue public influence.
The trial, which is expected to resume in the coming weeks, will continue to draw significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the defendants and the devastating loss of young lives.
Observers are hopeful that justice will be served, bringing closure to grieving families while reinforcing the importance of safety and accountability in public events involving children.
