Ibadan Stampede: Ooni Ex-Queen, Naomi, CEO Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, Others to Spend Christmas in Prison as Court Orders

Israel Adeleke 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that a Chief Magistrate court in Ibadan, Oyo State capital has remanded Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the principal of Bashorun Islamic High School, Fasasi, Abdullahi, in prison custody over the Ibadan stampede which left many children dead.

OTN News further reports that they are to be remanded in the Agodi Correctional Facility pending the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

OTN News had earlier reported that tragedy struck Ibadan at a children funfair party allegedly organised by the Ex-Queen, Naomi in partnership with the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, which was held at Bashorun Islamic High School.

OTN News also reported that the funfair which led to stampede, claimed over 30 children's lives, which later led to the arresting of the estranged queen, Agidigbo FM CEO, and the principal of the school where the programme was held.

Subsequently, they were arraigned on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

The court presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, issued the order after the suspects were brought to court amidst heavy security.

According to the police prosecutor, the offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The prosecution alleged that the trio played a role in the events leading to the stampede that turned the Christmas celebration into a tragedy.

According to a report by The Nation, the court premises witnessed tension as supporters of Hamzat gathered, but heavy security presence ensured order. 

The situation nearly escalated when police vans conveying the suspects began leaving the court premises.