A Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has adjourned the trial of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife; an Ibadan-based broadcaster and Chairman of a radio station, Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi.
The defendants face charges of conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence related to the deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 18, 2024.
Initially arraigned on a holden charge—a temporary legal mechanism not recognised under Nigerian law—the defendants were remanded in custody but were later granted bail by the High Court.
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At Monday’s court session, which was scheduled for a mention, the Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to March 24, 2025 to allow proper legal proceedings to unfold.
Speaking after the court session, the defence counsel for Oriyomi, Dapo Akinosi, explained the current status of the case.
Akinosi said: “The matter was slated for mention today because the defendants were initially arraigned on a holden charge, which is not recognised by law, leading to their remand in custody. We subsequently applied for bail at the High Court, which was granted.
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“Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper charges have been filed against the defendants. However, they are yet to be served with the information. We requested a longer adjournment to allow for proper proceedings, including the plea-taking at the High Court before the Magistrate Court can conclude its role in the matter.”
