Court Grants Bail to Ooni’s Former Queen and Two Other Defendants in Stampede Case

In a significant legal development, a court has granted bail to three individuals involved in the notorious stampede that occurred recently. The individuals granted bail include former Queen Naomi Silekunola, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat from Ibadan, and school principal Abdullahi Fasasi.
These three individuals are facing serious charges, including conspiracy, inciting death, reckless conduct causing harm, and negligence in failing to provide adequate security and medical aid. The charges, which contravene Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Volume II of the Law of Oyo State, 2000, carry significant legal weight.
Justice Olawoyin delivered the judgment after considering the bail requests from the defense counsels representing the accused. While the prosecution strongly objected to the bail, citing the severity of the incident and the need to ensure justice for the victims, the court, nonetheless, decided to grant the bail applications.
As part of the conditions for their release, Oriyomi was granted bail in the sum of N10 million, alongside the requirement to provide two sureties. Additionally, the court imposed a restriction preventing his media organization from airing related broadcasts.
The defense team for the accused had initially presented their bail applications to the court earlier in the week, with the request for remand until January 13, when the court was expected to deliver its ruling. The defense emphasized that the accused posed no risk of fleeing and would fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), who represents Oriyomi, explained to the media after the hearing that their bail application was successful. He further clarified that the court had deliberated on the matter, considered all arguments, and ultimately ruled in favor of the bail pending further proceedings.
Sobaloju stated, “We filed the application seeking his release pending his arraignment, and today the court heard all arguments. The ruling was reserved until January 13. In essence, we are asserting that he should be granted bail based on several undisclosed grounds.”
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly reiterated his stance that those responsible for the stampede must face legal action. As part of this commitment, the state government has leveled an 18-count charge against the accused individuals in connection to the tragic incident.