Oyo State Government has withdrawn all charges against Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The individuals had initially been implicated in legal proceedings following the December 2024 funfair stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children.
Following court session on Thursday, the relieved defendants were seen exchanging pleasantries, an indication that the charges had been formally dismissed.
Addressing journalists, Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, explained the reasoning behind the decision, emphasising the legal and humanitarian considerations involved.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation,” Aikomo stated.
He further clarified, “In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties. And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them.
“It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today. So we withdrew the charge and it was struck out by the court. There is no charge against them again, so they are free.”
