Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has fixed Tuesday, January 13, 2025, to deliver a ruling on the bail applications of three high-profile defendants: ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi.
The trio is facing trial in connection with a tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in December 2024. The incident resulted in the loss of at least 35 children’s lives, leaving the community in deep mourning.
The bail applications were argued before Justice Olawoyin in Court 8 of the Oyo State High Court on Tuesday, during a session that spanned over five hours. Each defendant was represented by legal counsel, while the state prosecution team, led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the applications. The state argued that the severity of the case warranted continued detention, citing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing investigation.
In their respective submissions, the defense counsels pleaded for their clients’ release on bail, asserting that there was insufficient evidence to justify continued confinement. They argued that their clients had cooperated with authorities and that granting bail would not interfere with the course of justice.
Following the submissions, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the matter to January 13, 2025, for the ruling. Until then, the defendants remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, Ibadan. The case continues to attract public attention due to the involvement of prominent figures and the devastating impact of the incident on the community.
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