Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has set Tuesday, January 13, for his ruling on the bail applications filed by former Queen of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; proprietor of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi.
The trio is facing trial over a tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in December 2024. The incident claimed the lives of at least 35 children.
During Tuesday’s hearing at Court 8 of the Oyo State High Court, counsels for the defendants presented their arguments for bail.
Ex-Queen Naomi was represented by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), Hamzat by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), and Fasasi by Waheed Olajide. The state, led by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications, filing a counter-application against the defendants’ release.
The court proceedings, saw all counsels advocating for their clients’ freedom, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention.
Following submissions from both sides, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case, stating that the ruling on the bail applications would be delivered on January 13.
The suspects remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, pending the court’s decision.
