Video: Jubilation in Oyo as High Court grants Oriyomi Hamzat, Olori Naomi, principal Fasasi bail

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi’s former wife, Naomi, the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, after over three weeks in detention over the stampede that claimed 35 children in the state.

The stampede occurred during a funfair organized to assist families, particularly their children, celebrating the 2024 Yuletide season better than previous years in the state.

Presiding over the matter on Monday, Justice K. B. Olawoyin approved the defendants’ bail applications, allowing them temporary freedom pending the continuation of legal proceedings.

The arrest of Oriyomi Hamzat has sparked significant public discourse. Alongside him is Abdulahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, whose position in the education sector adds another layer of interest.

Olori Naomi Silekunola’s presence has further intensified public intrigue, with her high-profile status drawing considerable attention

The 18-count charge borders on conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.

The offences were said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II Law of Oyo State, 2000.

In the charge sheet, the prosecution revealed names and details of 14 of the reported 35 victims of the incident.

The names on the charge sheet include: Musiliu Sofiayah, ‘f’, eight years, Lekan Salami ‘m’, seven years, Feyikemi Salam, ‘f’, one and a half years, Olaniyan Joshua ‘m’, one and a half years and Lateef Muisi ‘m’, eight years.

Others are: Opeyemi Ayomide ‘f’, four years, Adebayo Fatimah ‘f’, four years, Adebayo Abibat, ‘f’, five years, Adeyanju Taiwo ‘f’, eight years, Salaudeen Khalid ‘m’ minor, Anjorin Faridat, ‘f’, 10 years, Nahaam Muisi ‘m’, 13 years and Babatunde Toheeb ‘m’, 18 years.

The charge also said the suspects “did conspire together to commit a felony to wit: criminal negligence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code CAP 38, Vol II, Law of Oyo State, 2000.

“Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanism and medical facilities to prevent stampede at a children funfair programme organised by you and your negligent omission resulted in the death of Musiliu Sofiat ‘f’, aged eight years and 34 other children and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code 38, Vol II Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”