Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde, Principal of Bashorun Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Facility.
The suspects are to remain in custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.
The three were arraigned on a four-count charge, including conspiracy, culpable negligence leading to death, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. The case, marked C/2024, was brought by the Commissioner of Police against Naomi Silekunola (31), Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat (51), and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde (56).
Court Proceedings and Arguments
During Tuesday’s hearing, the suspects were brought to court under tight security as supporters of Hamzat gathered outside, expressing their frustration. Despite the tension, security personnel maintained order as the suspects were escorted in patrol vans.
Defense counsel raised concerns about jurisdiction, arguing that the charges were beyond the authority of the Magistrate’s Court. Waheed Adebowale Olajide, representing the school principal, contended that there was insufficient evidence to justify their detention. He proposed that the suspects be held at a police facility instead of the correctional center.
Ridwan Adekunle, counsel for Oriyomi Hamzat, also highlighted a prior agreement with the police to keep his client in custody due to health concerns.
However, Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi overruled these submissions, stating that it was her responsibility to remand the suspects at the correctional facility. She emphasized that the police should have considered their health conditions before arraigning them. She explained that the remand would stand pending the outcome of the DPP’s legal advice, which will determine the next course of action.
Background of the Case
The charges stem from an incident that reportedly led to the deaths of at least 35 children. While seven individuals were initially arrested, five suspects were released earlier this week.
Hamzat was reportedly detained while receiving medical treatment related to the incident.
Adjournment and Next Steps
The case was adjourned to January 13, 2025, for mention. The Magistrate urged the DPP to expedite its legal advice to avoid unnecessary delays.
Reactions from Defense Lawyers
Musibau Adetunbi, counsel to Naomi Silekunola, described the remand as a “holding charge,” emphasizing that only a high court has jurisdiction over the case. He expressed sympathy for the victims’ families while noting that none of the defendants had intended to cause harm.
Olajide hinted at plans to approach the high court to seek bail for his client, arguing that the detention amounted to undue punishment if the suspects were eventually found not guilty.
“The Magistrate’s Court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this matter. This process could lead to prolonged detention without trial, which raises questions about justice for the accused if they are found innocent,” he stated.
Efforts are ongoing to determine the next legal steps, with the possibility of transferring the case to a higher court for proper adjudication.