The Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin, has scheduled January 13, 2025, to deliver a ruling on the bail applications of three individuals charged in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The incident, which took place in December 2024, led to the deaths of over 35 children.
Among those standing trial are Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the school principal.
The suspects, who are currently held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Agodi, appeared in court on Tuesday, where their lawyers presented arguments in favor of granting bail.
The legal team for the defense included prominent lawyers: Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) for Queen Naomi, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN) for Hamzat, and Waheed Olajide for Fasasi.
Each lawyer argued that their clients should be granted bail, stating that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to justify continued detention.
The state prosecution team, led by Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications and submitted a counter-motion. The court session, lasting over five hours, featured detailed arguments from both sides.
Justice Olawoyin, after hearing the submissions, deferred the ruling until January 13.
