Court Dismisses Charges against Queen Naomi, Others over Ibadan Stampede
The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has dismissed murder charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School.
The trio had been facing charges over the December 2024 stampede at a children’s event, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
Delivering judgment, Justice B.K. Olawoyin ruled that holding the defendants liable could discourage the public from engaging in humanitarian activities. As a result, the four-count charge—including acceleration of death, conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate medical facilities and security—was dismissed.
Reacting to the ruling, Oyo State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Biodun Aikomo, stated that discontinuing the case was in the interest of justice.
“We withdrew the charge, and it was struck out by the court. There is no case against them anymore; they are now free,” Aikomo said.
