By Capital Watch Media
The former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, Chairman of an Ibadan-based broadcasting station, and Abdulahib Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
The three defendants are facing charges of conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence following a stampede during a Christmas funfair on 18 December 2024, which claimed the lives of 35 children.
During the proceedings, the case was adjourned to 24 March 2025.
The adjournment was requested to allow further legal steps, including plea-taking at the High Court.
Hamzat’s counsel, Dapo Akinosi, stated, “The defendants were initially arraigned on a holden charge, which is not recognised by Nigerian law. Bail was subsequently granted by the High Court.”
He added, “Legal advice has now been issued, and the appropriate charges have been filed. However, the defendants have yet to be served with the information.”
Speaking to journalists after the session, Akinosi explained, “We sought an adjournment to allow the defendants to properly respond at the High Court, where their pleas will be taken before this Magistrate Court case concludes.”
The stampede, which occurred during a festive event, drew widespread attention due to the large number of casualties, predominantly children.
Public outcry has continued to mount as families seek justice.
The defence team maintains that the proceedings at the Magistrate Court are procedural, ensuring all necessary legal steps are taken before the trial progresses.
Meanwhile, stakeholders and rights groups have called for transparency and fairness in handling the case to ensure justice for the victims.
The tragedy has sparked discussions on public safety at mass gatherings, with some calling for stricter regulations to prevent future incidents.
