The Oyo State Government has filed eight counts criminal charges bordering on murder, manslaughter against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of an Ibadan-based radio station, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic December 18, 2024, funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The government is prosecuting the case as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are named as defendants.
The defendants face an eight-count charge, including “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offense to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.”
These charges, according to the government, are contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The prosecution also revealed the names of 14 of the 35 children who lost their lives in the incident. They include Lekan Salami, male, seven years; Feyikemi Salam, female, 1.5 years; Olaniyan Joshua, male, 1.5 years; Laeef Muisi, male, eight years; Opeyemi Ayomide, female, four years; Adebayo-Fatimah, female, four years; Adebayo-Abibat, female, five years; Adeyanju Taiwo, female, eight years; Salaudeen Khalid, male, minor; Anjorin Faridat, female, 10 years; Nahaam Muisi, male, 13 years; and Babatunde Toheeb, male, 18 years.
According to the charge sheet seen by Chronicle NG, the government accused the defendants of failing to ensure proper security, crowd control, and medical facilities at the funfair, which led to the stampede.
The document stated: “The defendants negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organised by you.”
The state further alleged that their negligence “resulted in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8 years, and 34 other children, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
Fasasi, the school principal, is facing four specific charges, including conspiracy, negligence, and failure to provide adequate safety measures during the event.
The defendants have been in custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024.
Speaking on the matter, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde vowed last week that the state would prosecute those responsible for the stampede tragedy, saying the government is determined to ensure justice for the victims.
