In a surprising turn of events, the Oyo State Government has officially dropped criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola (ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife), media personality Oriyomi Hamzat, and Islamic High School principal Abdullahi Fasasi, following the tragic 2024 Ibadan stampede that claimed 35 young lives. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that has gripped the nation with grief and scrutiny.
The Courtroom Relief: Defendants React
On Thursday, the defendants exited the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan visibly relieved, exchanging smiles and handshakes after the charges were withdrawn. Their legal battle began after a children’s festive event at Bashorun’s Islamic High School turned fatal in December 2024, when overcrowding triggered a deadly stampede. The incident, one of the state’s worst tragedies in recent history, left families shattered and sparked nationwide demands for accountability.
Why Were the Charges Dropped?
State Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo addressed the media post-hearing, emphasizing empathy and restorative justice. “While the law mandates action in unnatural deaths, prosecution isn’t about persecution,” he stated during a Facebook Live session monitored by SaharaReporters. “The defendants demonstrated genuine remorse and cooperated to support affected families. Continuing the case no longer served justice’s interests.”
This decision follows months of legal wrangling. Earlier, Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin granted bail to the trio under strict conditions:
N10 million bail with two sureties each.
Surrender of passports to the court.
A gag order barring public statements on the case.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while initially adamant about prosecuting responsible parties, later supported bail, balancing accountability with due process.
The Tragedy That Shook a Nation
The stampede erupted during a giveaway event organized by Oriyomi Hamzat’s Agidigbo FM at the school. Overcrowding and poor safety measures led to chaos, with dozens of children trampled in the rush for donated food and supplies. The aftermath saw vigils, protests, and calls for stricter event regulations to prevent future disasters.
Public Reaction: Healing or Injustice?
While the withdrawal spares the defendants trial, it leaves grieving families divided. Some view it as a compassionate acknowledgment of their remorse; others see it as a failure to deliver full accountability. The AG’s emphasis on “justice over punishment” raises broader questions: Can empathy outweigh legal consequences in tragedies? How can systemic safety gaps be addressed to prevent repeats?
Moving Forward: Lessons from the Tragedy
As Oyo State seeks closure, the case underscores critical needs:
1. Event Safety Protocols: Mandating crowd control and emergency plans for public gatherings.
2. Corporate Responsibility: Media outlets and influencers ensuring promotions prioritize safety.
3. Legal Precedent: Balancing accountability with restorative justice in high-stakes cases.
The dropped charges may end the courtroom drama, but the scars of December 2024 linger. For the families, justice remains a nuanced journey—one where legal outcomes and healing may not always align.
Your Thoughts?
Was withdrawing the charges the right decision, or does it risk undermining accountability? Share your perspective in the comments.
Page manager
