The trial of Naomi Silekunola, Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, and others accused in the stampede killing 35 children has been adjourned until March 24, 2025
The trial of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and other accused individuals over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in December 2024 has been adjourned by a Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The case, which was slated for mention on Monday, has been rescheduled to March 24, 2025, after the court session.
Silekunola, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster and chairman of Oriyomi Hamzat Radio, and Abdulahib Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, is facing charges of conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence in connection with the incident.
The tragic event occurred in December 2024, when a stampede led to the deaths of at least 35 children. The accused individuals have been under scrutiny due to their roles in the organisation and management of the event where the stampede occurred.
Speaking to the press after the court session, Dapo Akinosi, the legal counsel for Hamzat, provided insights into the proceedings.
He explained that the case was initially handled with a holden charge, which, according to Akinosi, is not recognised by Nigerian law. This resulted in the remand of the accused individuals in prison.
However, Akinosi clarified that a subsequent bail application was successful at the High Court, where the defendants were granted bail.
Following the issuance of legal advice, the proper information was filed against them, but they have yet to be served with the formal charges.
“Today, we came to court so that the charge here could be withdrawn,” Akinosi explained. “Since their plea has not yet been taken at the High Court, we requested a longer adjournment to allow proper proceedings, including plea-taking at the High Court, before the case can be concluded at the Magistrate Court.”
