Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Oyo State Government has filed an 18-count charge against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the December 18, 2024 funfair stampede that resulted in the death of 35 children.
The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan was sighted by Africa Health Report on Sunday.
According to the charge sheet, the government accused the defendants of conspiracy to commit a felony, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants “negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organised by you.”
This omission, the prosecution claims, resulted in the death of 35 children, including Musiliu Sofiat, Lekan Salami, and Feyikemi Salam, among others.
Fasasi faces trial on a four-count charge, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
Last week, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, vowed that the state would prosecute the defendants. The defendants have been in prison custody since December 24, following their arrest by the police.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for justice for the families of the victims.
