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Breaking: Court grants Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Fasasi bail.

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An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted bail to Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi in connection with the tragic Christmas funfair incident that claimed the lives of 35 children.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the trio, who were earlier remanded at Agodi Correctional Facility, secured their bail after Justice K.B. Olawoyin delivered a ruling on their applications on Monday.

This decision comes almost a week after the court, on January 7, reserved its ruling on their bail pleas.

The case stems from a tragic event that occurred on December 24, 2024, during a Christmas funfair held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The incident, which has left the state reeling, resulted in the deaths of 35 children due to what has been described as gross negligence and inadequate safety measures at the event.

The funfair, organized to celebrate the festive season, turned into a nightmare for families when a series of unfortunate events unfolded.

Eyewitnesses reported that a stampede ensued after panic broke out at the overcrowded venue, leading to multiple casualties.

Reports also suggest that there was insufficient provision for crowd control, medical assistance, and security at the event.

Following preliminary investigations, Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi were arrested.

Oriyomi Hamzat, a prominent media personality and founder of Agidigbo FM, is a well-known figure in Oyo State, while Fasasi serves as the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi at Chief Magistrates’ Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on December 24, 2024.

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They were charged with four counts:

1. Conspiracy: Alleged collusion in organizing an event without adequate safety measures.

2. Acceleration of Death: Accused of contributing to the circumstances that led to the loss of lives.

3. Negligent Acts Causing Harm: Failing to ensure necessary precautions to prevent the tragedy.

4. Omission to Provide Adequate Security and Medical Facilities: Neglecting essential safety and medical arrangements at the event.

 

After hearing the charges, the court, presided over by Magistrate Ogunkanmi, ordered the remand of the accused persons at Agodi Correctional Facility, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) under the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

The bail applications for Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi were subsequently filed at the Oyo State High Court.

During the hearing, their legal representatives argued that the defendants were not flight risks and pledged their cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

They also highlighted their roles as responsible members of society, emphasizing that their continued detention would serve no purpose in ensuring justice.

On January 7, Justice K.B. Olawoyin reserved his ruling, stating that the court required time to deliberate on the arguments presented.

However, in a ruling delivered on January 13, the court granted bail to the trio.

While the exact conditions of their bail were not disclosed in court, sources indicate that the judge imposed stringent requirements to ensure their availability for subsequent proceedings.

The granting of bail has elicited mixed reactions from the public.

While some have expressed relief that the suspects will be able to defend themselves outside of detention, others, particularly families of the victims, have voiced concerns about the potential for justice to be undermined.

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Advocates for the victims have reiterated calls for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure accountability for the tragic loss of young lives.

The government of Oyo State is yet to release an official statement on the court’s ruling, but the case continues to attract widespread attention across the country.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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