A horrific stampede that killed 35 children during a Christmas funfair event prompted an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, to order the remand of three people on December 24, 2024.
The individuals remanded are:
- Naomi Silekunola (31), the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
- Oriyomi Hamzat (51), proprietor of Agidigbo FM, a popular radio station in Ibadan.
- Fasasi Abdullahi (56), Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where the incident occurred.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi presided over the court, which declined the defendants’ pleas because it lacked jurisdiction over the allegations, which included murder and conspiracy.
The magistrate consequently directed that they be remanded to the Agodi Correctional Centre while the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) provided legal counsel.
During a children’s Christmas celebration, the stampede happened on December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. The event, which was intended to give children cash gifts and toys, drew a sizable audience, which resulted in the tragic occurrence that killed 35 children and injured six more.
Widespread calls for in-depth investigations to stop such incidents in the future have been sparked by the unfortunate event. The three people’s remand marks the start of judicial proceedings as investigators attempt to ascertain what caused the catastrophe.
