The Oyo State Government has pressed an 18-count criminal charge against Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, a popular radio proprietor, and Bashorun Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School in Ibadan, in connection with the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair that resulted in the deaths of over 35 individuals.
The charges were filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the State High Court, under charge number I/05C/2025. The trio faces accusations of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related offenses.
According to the charge sheet, the accused “failed to provide sufficient security, crowd control measures, and medical facilities” during the ill-fated funfair held at Islamic High School.
Their alleged negligence is said to have directly caused the stampede, leading to the deaths of 35 children, with 14 victims specifically named in the court documents.
The prosecution claims the defendants “conspired to commit acts of criminal negligence,” in violation of Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The charge sheet further asserts that the trio “negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control measures, and medical facilities, resulting in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8, and 34 other children.”
The offense is punishable under Sections 308 and 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Fasasi, the school principal, faces an additional four-count charge, including conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to ensure safety at the event.
The case, titled The Commissioner of Police vs. Naomi Silekunola (31), Oriyomi Hamzat (51), and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde (56), highlights the state’s determination to hold the accused accountable.
While the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice is still pending, sources suggest that the new charges filed by the state government were based on the DPP’s review of the incident.
As of the time of this report, efforts to confirm whether the DPP’s advice has been issued to the police for submission to the Chief Magistrate were unsuccessful.
The tragic incident, which shocked Ibadan, continues to provoke public outrage, with many calling for swift justice for the victims.
The state government’s legal action underscores its resolve to ensure accountability for those allegedly responsible for the tragedy.
