The Oyo State Government has filed eight counts of murder and manslaughter against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
These charges stem from the December 18, 2024 funfair stampede that resulted in the deaths 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 Oyo State Government is listed as the complainant, while Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi are named as defendants.
The government has accused the defendants of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related offenses. These charges are contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The prosecution disclosed the names and details of 14 out of the 35 children who died in the incident, including Musiliu Sofiat (8 years), Lekan Salami (7 years), Feyikemi Salam (1.5 years), Olaniyan Joshua (1.5 years), Laeef Muisi (8 years), Opeyemi Ayomide (4 years), Adebayo-Fatimah (4 years), Adebayo-Abibat (5 years), Adeyanju Taiwo (8 years), Salaudeen Khalid (minor), Anjorin Faridat (10 years), Nahaam Muisi (13 years), and Babatunde Toheeb (18 years).
The state alleged that the defendants negligently failed to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent the stampede at the children’s funfair program. This negligence resulted in the deaths of Musiliu Sofiat and 34 other children, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Fasasi faces trial on a four-count charge, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
Last week, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde vowed that the state would prosecute the defendants. The defendants have been in prison custody since December 24, following their arrest by the police.
