The Oyo State Government has initiated legal action against several individuals following a tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024.
Among the defendants are Naomi Silekunola, former queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, a radio station proprietor; and Abdulahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun.
The case, involving charges of murder and manslaughter, was filed on January 10, 2025, at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.
According to court documents, the charges include conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and failing to implement adequate safety measures.
The prosecution cited negligence on the part of the defendants for not ensuring crowd control, security, and medical support during the funfair, which led to the devastating stampede.
Governor Seyi Makinde had previously pledged that those responsible for the incident would face justice. Since their arrest on December 24, 2024, the accused have been held in custody.
Court records reveal the names of 14 victims, including children as young as 1.5 years old. They include Musiliu Sofiat, female, eight years; Lekan Salami, male, seven years; Feyikemi Salam, female, 1.5 years; Olaniyan Joshua, male, 1.5 years; Laeef Muisi, male, eight years; Opeyemi Ayomide, female, four years; Adebayo-Fatimah, female, four years; Adebayo-Abibat, female, five years; Adeyanju Taiwo, female, eight years; Salaudeen Khalid, male, minor; Anjorin Faridat, female, 10 years; Nahaam Muisi, male, 13 years; and Babatunde Toheeb, male, 18 years.
The state alleged that the defendants “negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organised by you.”
It alleged that the defendants’ “negligent omission resulted in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8 years, and 34 other children, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
