Oyo Court Grants Bail to Key Figures in Ibadan Stampede Tragedy

In the aftermath of the tragic Ibadan stampede, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to three individuals implicated in the incident. Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM radio station; and Olori Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, were all released on bail following the court’s decision.

This ruling follows weeks of legal proceedings after the stampede during a funfair on December 18, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children. The three were initially remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre while investigations and legal actions were underway. Their bail was confirmed through posts on social media, indicating that the court issued the decision earlier this morning.

While the full details of the bail conditions remain undisclosed, it has been confirmed that Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat was granted bail with a N10 million bond, among other requirements. Information regarding the specific bail terms for Fasasi and Silekunola was not immediately available.

The stampede, which captured widespread public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the tragic loss of life, has led to ongoing debates about event management, safety measures, and public accountability. The Oyo State Government had previously filed an 18-count charge against the accused, including manslaughter and criminal negligence, linked to the incident.

In their defense, the defendants, through their legal teams, argued for their release on bail, citing health and legal grounds. The court’s approval of their bail applications may suggest that further investigations can continue without detention.