The Oyo State Government on Tuesday strongly opposed the bail applications of the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Shilekunola, Hamzat Oriyomi, and school principal, Fasasi Abdullahi, in connection with the tragic death of 35 children during a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan.
The court had previously remanded the three defendants on December 24, following the fatal stampede that occurred during the event. They have spent both Christmas and New Year’s Day in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Services facility in Agodi, Ibadan.
During the hearing at High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, the defence counsel urged the court to grant bail, but Oyo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the request. Aikomo insisted that the applicants had failed to provide sufficient grounds for their release, emphasizing that their claims of persecution were unfounded.
In his submission, Aikomo stated, “The bail request of the applicants must not be granted by the court.”
The defence team, however, challenged the legality of the detention, claiming procedural irregularities and questioning the court’s jurisdiction. They argued that the “holding charge” used to remand the suspects was not recognized under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Waheed Olajide, representing Abdullahi, the principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, argued that the detention was unjustified, citing the lack of a formal charge and the constitutional protection of the suspects’ rights. He also highlighted Abdullahi’s poor health, requesting bail on the grounds of medical need, as the law allows for release in exceptional circumstances such as health issues.
Silekunola’s lawyer, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), similarly described her detention as unconstitutional. He argued that the “holding charge” used against the suspects was not recognized by Nigerian criminal law, calling the government’s actions illegal.
Hazmat’s lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), also contended that the detention violated constitutional provisions, further asserting that the “holding charge” was not in accordance with the law.
After hearing both sides, Justice K.B. Olawoyin adjourned the ruling on the bail applications until Monday, January 13, 2025. The case continues to attract significant attention, as calls for justice grow amidst the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident.
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