High Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has denied the bail applications of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
This decision comes in the wake of a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event in December 2024.
The court’s decision has ignited widespread public discourse and outrage, as many Nigerians demand accountability for the devastating incident.
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Sources close to the court proceedings disclosed that the Oyo State Attorney General had urged the court to allow the state more time to complete its investigation into the incident. This plea formed the basis of the court’s decision to deny bail to the accused individuals.
“The court did not grant the bail application of Naomi and the school principal because the Attorney General pleaded that the state should be given more time to investigate,” a source in the courtroom told newsmen.
The stampede, which occurred during a children’s festive party organized by Naomi Silekunola at Islamic High School, has been a subject of intense scrutiny.
Witnesses and parents have demanded answers as to how a celebratory event turned into a tragedy of this magnitude.
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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reacted to the incident and subsequent legal proceedings, reiterating his commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
While emphasizing the need for accountability, the governor clarified that he is not opposed to the suspects being granted bail but insists that all those responsible must face trial.
The court has adjourned Naomi’s case until next week, leaving her legal fate hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, the bail application of Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, who is also reportedly linked to the incident, remains undecided.
The families of the 35 children who lost their lives are seeking justice, and the nation watches closely as the legal process unfolds.