Oyo State Drops Charges Against Naomi Silekunola And Others Tied To Tragic Stampede

Oyo State Officially Dismisses Charges Against Naomi Silekunola and Others

Breaking news from Naija: The Oyo State Government has officially dismissed the criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. This decision comes after months of legal proceedings tied to the tragic stampede that took place in December 2024, leaving at least 35 children dead during a festive celebration. Let me break this down for you.

Relief and Joy in the Courtroom

The courtroom was filled with palpable relief as the trio walked out smiling and exchanging pleasantries with each other. It was a moment of joy amidst the somber backdrop of tragedy. The charges, initially brought against them following the stampede, have now been officially dropped. The defendants were visibly grateful, and their body language spoke volumes about the weight lifted off their shoulders. It’s not every day that someone walks away from a case this serious, so you can imagine the emotions running high.

Oyo State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the decision in a press statement following the court session. Speaking to the media, Aikomo explained the rationale behind the state’s decision to drop the charges.

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AG’s Statement: Justice Served, Not Punishment

During a live broadcast on Facebook by SaharaReporters, Aikomo stated, “This was an incredibly unfortunate incident that resulted in the loss of many young lives. In the eyes of the law, when unnatural deaths occur, it's only natural for the legal process to take its course. That’s why the state filed charges against those implicated in the investigation. However, as we progressed through the process, we saw genuine empathy and compassion from the accused. They reached out to the affected parties, and it became clear that the essence of prosecution isn’t to punish but to serve justice. Based on these factors, we felt it was in the best interest of justice to discontinue these charges.”

It’s important to note that the decision wasn’t made lightly. The legal team weighed the circumstances carefully, ensuring that the move aligns with the principles of justice. This is a powerful reminder that the law isn’t just about punishment—it’s about understanding, empathy, and moving forward in a way that honors the victims.

A Journey Through the Legal Process

This decision didn’t happen overnight. Prior to this, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin delivered the ruling after the defendants had presented their bail applications. Naomi was granted bail of N10 million with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were also granted bail under similar conditions. The court also mandated that the suspects deposit their passports with the court and restricted them from giving interviews or engaging in public discourse about the case.

The case began after the heart-wrenching stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024. Dozens of innocent children lost their lives in the chaos, leaving the community in mourning. This incident was one of the most tragic events to hit Oyo State in recent years, and it sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

The Battle Over Bail

Initially, the prosecution team, led by the Attorney General of Oyo State, opposed granting bail to the defendants. They argued that the charges were serious and that justice for the victims demanded that the accused face the full weight of the law. On the other hand, the defense team countered by emphasizing the cooperation of the accused during the investigation and assuring the court that they posed no flight risk.

Governor Seyi Makinde had previously stated that those responsible for the stampede must face trial. However, he also expressed a willingness to consider granting bail during the legal proceedings, showing a balance between justice and fairness.

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In the end, the decision to drop the charges reflects a nuanced understanding of the situation—a move that seeks to bring closure while acknowledging the complexities of the case. It’s a step forward for all parties involved, and hopefully, a step toward healing for the families who lost loved ones in this tragic event.