Court grants bail to Queen Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat amidst tragic stampede case in Ibadan

January 13, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin made the decision on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Oriyomi Hamzat’s bail was set at N10 million with the condition of providing two sureties.

Additionally, the court ordered that his radio station must not broadcast any news related to the case.

This decision comes after the defendants presented their bail applications on the previous Tuesday, but were remanded in custody until Monday’s ruling.

The defense argued that the accused were not flight risks and were willing to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

However, the Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail, stressing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims and their families.

Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), representing Oriyomi Hamzat, confirmed that they had applied for bail pending arraignment, with the arguments presented and the ruling reserved until January 13th.

The arrests stem from a tragic children’s party in December 2024 at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where a stampede led to the deaths of at least 35 children. Governor Seyi Makinde has called for those responsible to be prosecuted, though he has not opposed the granting of bail in this case.