The Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday postponed proceedings in the case involving the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Naomi Silekunola, Chairman of an Ibadan-based broadcasting station; Oriyomi Hamzat, and Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi.
The trio is facing four charges, including conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence, related to the tragic deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held on December 18, 2024.
Previously, the defendants were arraigned on a holden charge, which was contested by their counsel and subsequently dismissed by the court as legally invalid. They were granted bail following an application to the High Court.
At Monday’s proceedings, the Chief Magistrate adjourned the case until March 24, 2025, after a brief mention.
Speaking to journalists, Oriyomi Hamzat’s lawyer, Dapo Akinosi, stated: “The matter today was actually slated for mention because when they were arraigned initially, it was on a holden charge, which is not recognised by our law. They were remanded in prison as a result of that charge.
“We subsequently applied to the High Court, where bail was granted to the defendants. Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper information has been filed against them. However, they are yet to be served with the information.
“Today, we came to court so that the charge here could be withdrawn. 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.”
