Ibadan Stampede: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Challenges Detention as Oyo Attorney General Opposes Bail
The legal tussle surrounding the detention of Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, along with Hamzat Oriyomi and school principal Fasasi Abdullahi, took a pivotal turn on Tuesday as the Oyo State Government urged the High Court to deny their bail application.
The three individuals were remanded on December 24, 2024, following a tragic stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children. Since then, they have been in custody at the Agodi Correctional Facility.
During the hearing at High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, firmly opposed the bail application. He asserted:
“The bail request of the applicants must not be granted by the court.”
He dismissed allegations of persecution, describing them as baseless, and argued that the detention was necessary given the severity of the incident.
In contrast, the defence team contended that the detention of their clients was unconstitutional and violated proper legal procedures. They challenged the use of a “holding charge” to remand the suspects, arguing that it lacks recognition under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Waheed Olajide, counsel for school principal Fasasi Abdullahi, pointed out the absence of formal charges against his client and cited health concerns as grounds for bail.
“The law makes provision for exceptional circumstances, which include ill health, upon which the suspects can be released on bail. The applicant is battling with his health and needs to be taken care of medically.”
Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), representing Silekunola, described the detention as unlawful:
“Anybody can be detained, but it must be in accordance with the law, irrespective of the offences committed. The applicants are being held in detention pursuant to a holding charge which is not known in the criminal administration of justice.”
Similarly, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), representing Oriyomi, reiterated:
“The holding charge used to clamp the suspects in the prison custody is not known in the criminal administration of justice.”
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice K.B. Olawoyin announced that the ruling on the bail application would be delivered on Monday, January 13, 2025.
As the legal battle continues, the case has drawn widespread public attention, with debates intensifying over the legal processes and accountability for the tragic stampede.
-Nigeriaupdate
