Bail: Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat to know fate January 13

Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi

An Ibadan high court has set Monday, January 13 to rule on the bail applications of ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife Naomi Silekunola, CEO of Agidigbo FM Oriyomi Hamzat and principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan Fasasi Abdullahi,

The trio is facing trial over a stampede that caused the death of at least 35 children at a funfair held in the school on December 18, 2024.

Naomi Silekunola was represented by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), Oriyomi Hamzat by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN) and Abdulahi Fasasi by Waheed Olajide at the hearing on Tuesday.

The defence teams for the defendants presented separate arguments in favour of their clients’ bail.

Opposing the bail applications, the Oyo State prosecution team, led by attorney general and commissioner for justice Abiodun Aikomo, filed a counter-application.

The prosecution argued that granting bail could interfere with the judicial process and insisted there was sufficient evidence to justify keeping the defendants in custody.

In their rebuttals, defence counsel argued that the prosecution lacked adequate evidence to support continued detention and urged the court to uphold their clients’ right to bail pending trial.

After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Kamarudeen Olawoyin reserved his ruling on the applications until January 13.

The defendants will remain in detention at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi until then.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday reiterated his commitment to ensuring accountability for the tragedy.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Inter-Faith Service for state workers held in Ibadan, Mr Makinde emphasised that the rule of law would prevail in the state, irrespective of the status of those involved.

Addressing concerns about similar fatal stampedes in Abuja and Anambra State that did not result in prosecutions, Makinde said, “Even if nobody is held accountable elsewhere, in Oyo State, the rule of law will prevail. Oyo State is not Anambra State, and no matter how highly placed, justice must be done.”

The governor clarified that while he does not oppose the court granting bail, the judicial process must take its course to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

“The judiciary will handle the matter,” Makinde added. “If you think you can grant bail pending trial, I have nothing against it. But the people must go on trial.”