Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of a High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to three individuals implicated in the deadly food queue stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors in December 2024.
The suspects ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola, Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and school principal Abdullahi Fasasi were granted bail despite objections from the prosecution.
The three suspects face four charges, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities, offenses punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, vol II Law of Oyo State, 2000.
The court ruled after hearing bail applications from the defense lawyers, with the prosecution opposing bail on the grounds of the severity of the stampede and the need for justice for the victims. However, Justice Olawoyin ultimately granted bail to the accused.
Oriyomi Hamzat, one of the accused, was granted bail in the sum of N10 million and required to provide two sureties. Additionally, the court ordered that his organization must refrain from broadcasting the incident’s coverage.
The defense argued that the suspects posed no flight risk and were fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), counsel for Oriyomi Hamzat, confirmed that the bail had been granted, noting that the application was made based on specific grounds he chose not to elaborate on.
The court had earlier remanded the suspects in prison pending the ruling on their bail, which was delivered on January 13.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has maintained that those responsible for the stampede must face trial. In a related development, the state government has filed an 18-count charge against the accused individuals in connection with the incident.
