Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, has been released from Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan after meeting the bail conditions set by the court.
Hamzat regained his freedom alongside his co-accused, Naomi Silekunola, the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Bashorun Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School.
The trio had been remanded in custody over their alleged involvement in the stampede during a December 2024 funfair at the Islamic High School in Ibadan, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 35 children.
Justice K. B. Olawoyin granted the suspects bail on Monday, with each required to provide a bond of ₦10 million and two sureties in like sums.
Hamzat was received by a large crowd at his broadcasting station upon his release on Tuesday, visibly emotional as he addressed his supporters.
“Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much,” he said.
The Oyo State Government filed an 18-count criminal charge against Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi on January 10, 2025, in connection with the tragic incident.
The case, filed at the State High Court under charge number I/05C/2025, includes accusations of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and related charges.
According to the charge sheet, the accused failed to provide adequate security, crowd control measures, and medical facilities during the event, which led to the fatal stampede.
The prosecution alleges that the negligence resulted in the deaths of 35 children, including an 8-year-old girl, Musiliu Sofiat.
The legal proceedings continue as the case moves forward in the Oyo State High Court.
