An Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ring Road, Ibadan, yesterday granted bail to Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi in the sum of N30 million.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of Court 8 delivered the ruling following a bail application filed by the defendants’ legal representatives. The court had reserved January 13 for the decision after arguments were presented on January 7.
Olori Naomi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is the founder of Wing Foundation, an NGO. Alhaji Hamzat is the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, a prominent Ibadan-based radio station, while Fasasi serves as the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. the
The court set the bail conditions at N10 million for each defendant, along with two sureties in the same amount. The sureties must own properties in Ibadan. Additionally, the defendants are required to deposit their international passports with the court and are prohibited from making any public statements or media broadcasts about the case during the trial.
The defendants were initially arraigned on December 24, 2024, before Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi at Magistrates’ Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on a four-count charge. These charges included conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. They were remanded in Agodi Correctional Facility pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, with the case adjourned to January 13 for mention.
However, the defense team sought relief at the High Court, challenging their continued detention.
In his ruling, Justice Olawoyin noted that the magistrates’ court lacked jurisdiction to try the defendants due to the murder-related charges in the case. He further emphasized that the constitution does not support holding charges, as prolonged detention without trial infringes on the defendants’ fundamental rights.
The judge also stated that the incident, a stampede, appeared unintentional, which entitled the defendants to bail. He reminded the defendants that while on bail, they must strictly adhere to the conditions set by the court.
The case continues as the legal process unfolds.
