Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
The remand order comes after their arraignment in connection with the tragic stampede at a Christmas funfair held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children and injured six others.
The defendants are facing a four-count charge, with the offences contravening Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi directed that the defendants be remanded pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court proceedings drew significant public attention, with law enforcement officers heavily guarding the suspects.
The fatal stampede occurred during a Christmas funfair event organized by Naomi Silekunola’s foundation, which had promised cash handouts and food distributions to attendees.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The case is ongoing, with the defendants’ next court appearance pending.
