Oriyomi Hamzat, a popular broadcaster and owner of Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been released from Agodi Correctional Centre after meeting his bail conditions.
Hamzat, along with his co-accused, former Queen of Ife Naomi Silekunola and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, had been detained in connection with a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 35 children during a stampede.
The stampede occurred during a December 2024 funfair event at Islamic High School in Ibadan. The Oyo State Government filed an 18-count criminal charge against the trio, including allegations of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.
The prosecution claimed the defendants failed to ensure sufficient security, crowd management, and medical resources, which led to the disaster. Court documents listed 14 of the victims’ names, with the youngest being eight years old.
Justice K. B. Olawoyin, presiding over the bail hearing, granted bail to Hamzat and his co-accused on Monday, requiring each of them to post a ₦10 million bond and provide two sureties.
After meeting these conditions, Hamzat was released on Tuesday to a hero’s welcome at Agidigbo FM. A large crowd gathered to greet the broadcaster, who appeared visibly emotional.
Hamzat addressed his supporters briefly, saying, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
The case against Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi remains ongoing. Filed on January 10, 2025, at the Oyo State High Court, the case highlights the alleged failure to implement safety measures during the event.
