The Oyo State Government has withdrawn the criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The charges were filed in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s festive party in December 2024, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 children.
The defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.
The State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, announced that the government had decided to discontinue the charges. According to Aikomo, the affected persons showed empathy and compassion, and the essence of prosecution is not to persecute but to serve justice.
The defendants were visibly relieved and elated after the trial, exchanging pleasantries and smiling. This development comes after an intense period of legal proceedings, during which the Oyo State High Court granted bail to the defendants.
The case had sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice for the victims.
Governor Makinde had previously insisted that those responsible for the stampede must face trial, but also expressed openness to the suspects being granted bail during the proceedings.
