Breaking News: Queen Naomi, Oriyomi Hazmat, and Principal Remanded in Prison Over Tragic Ibadan Funfair Stampede
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has ordered the remand of three individuals, including a former queen and a renowned broadcaster, in connection with a devastating stampede that claimed 35 lives during a children’s funfair event. The incident occurred last Wednesday at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, presiding over the case, declined to take the defendants’ plea due to the court’s lack of jurisdiction. She directed that the trio be held at the Agodi Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). The matter has been adjourned until January 13 for mention.
The defendants, identified as 31-year-old Queen Naomi Silekunola (ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi), 51-year-old broadcaster Oriyomi Hazmat, and 56-year-old school principal Fasasi Abdullahi, face a four-count charge, including conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts causing harm.
Prosecution Details
Prosecuting counsel Police Inspector Sikiru Opaleye told the court that the defendants failed to ensure a safe and secure environment during the funfair event, leading to the fatal stampede. The tragedy resulted in the death of eight-year-old Sofiat Musiliu and 34 other children aged between five months and 13 years.
The event, organized under the auspices of WINGS (Women In Need of Guidance and Support), a foundation established by Ms. Silekunola, was reportedly held without adequate security measures or medical facilities. Inspector Opaleye further alleged that the defendants’ negligence directly contributed to the horrific outcome.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 324, 311, 517, and 344 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
Legal Representation
During the hearing, the three defendants were represented by legal counsels J. A. Lukman, Ridwan Adekunle, and Waheed Olajide, respectively. Efforts to secure their release were unsuccessful as the Chief Magistrate emphasized the need for the DPP’s legal advice before any further action could be taken.
A Grim Reminder
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of Ms. Silekunola and seven others in connection with the incident. The former queen was a key organizer of the children’s Christmas party, which was intended to spread joy but ended in unimaginable tragedy.
This heartbreaking event has left the Ibadan community in mourning, with many calling for stricter regulations to prevent such avoidable disasters in the future. As investigations continue, families of the victims and the public await justice for the lives lost in the tragic stampede.