Oyo State court strikes out murder charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi over 2024 children’s event stampede

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has struck out murder charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School.

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The trio had been facing charges related to the tragic stampede at a children’s event in December 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.

In a landmark ruling delivered by Justice B. K. Olawoyin on Thursday, the court dismissed all four charges, including accusations of acceleration of death, conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate medical facilities and security during the event.

Justice Olawoyin stated that holding the defendants liable could discourage the public from engaging in humanitarian activities, such as organizing events for the community.

Following the judgment, Oyo State’s Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Biodun Aikomo, commented on the court’s decision, emphasizing that it was in the interest of justice to discontinue the case. “We withdrew the charge, and the court struck it out.

There is no case against them anymore. They are now free,” Aikomo said in an interview, expressing confidence in the court’s ruling.

This ruling has sparked reactions across the state, with many people reflecting on the significance of the case, which had captured public attention due to the devastating loss of life during the stampede.