- 35 children dead as Oyo State fights bail requests in high-profile case.
- Defense challenges legality of detention, alleges constitutional violations.
In a heated court session on Tuesday, the Oyo State Government urged the state high court in Ibadan to deny bail to ex-Ooni of Ife’s former queen, Naomi Silekunola, alongside two co-defendants, Hamzat Oriyomi and school principal Fasasi Abdullahi. The trio faces allegations of negligence leading to the tragic death of 35 children during a Christmas Funfair stampede in Ibadan.
The defendants, remanded at the Agodi Correctional Facility since December 24, spent both Christmas and New Year behind bars. During the hearing at High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, the defense counsel pressed for their release, citing procedural lapses and poor health conditions, but their pleas were met with stiff opposition from the state.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, maintained that the accused had not demonstrated sufficient grounds for bail.
“The bail request of the applicants must not be granted by the court,” Aikomo stated, refuting claims of persecution by the state as baseless.
Defense counsel, however, argued that the continued detention violated Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, particularly as it relied on a controversial “holding charge” not recognized under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Waheed Olajide, representing Fasasi Abdullahi, highlighted his client’s deteriorating health as a critical concern. “The applicant is battling with his health and requires immediate medical attention,” Olajide said, emphasizing that exceptional circumstances justify bail under the law.
Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), counsel for Silekunola, decried her detention as unconstitutional. “Detention must follow due process. The holding charge used in this case is not supported by the ACJA,” Adetunmbi argued.
Hamzat’s lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), echoed these sentiments, calling the detention an illegal overreach by the state government.
After extensive submissions from both sides, Justice K.B. Olawoyin adjourned the ruling on the bail applications to Monday, January 13, 2025. The case, which has gripped the state, continues to raise questions about accountability and the interpretation of Nigeria’s criminal justice laws.
