Court Orders Remand of Principal, Ex-Queen Naomi Over Ibadan Stampede Tragedy
A Chief Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of three individuals linked to the tragic stampede at Bashorun Islamic High School last week.
The accused include Abdullahi Fasasi, the school’s principal; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of Agidigbo FM; and Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife.
Presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, the court ruled on Tuesday after their arraignment by the Oyo State Police Command. The proceedings occurred under tight security, with family members and onlookers gathered outside the courthouse.
The defendants face four charges, including a violation of Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. Following the hearing, Magistrate Ogunkanmi ordered their detention at Agodi Correctional Center, pending further instructions from the state prosecutor.
Meanwhile, the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) paid a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in the aftermath of the incident. The stampede claimed the lives of 35 children, with several others injured.
Leading the delegation was SGF Chairman and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who described the tragedy as a "good initiative that turned bad." He urged non-governmental organizations to collaborate with the government to ensure proper planning for such events.
“Our prayer is for the repose of the souls of the children, for strength for their bereaved parents, and for the people of Oyo State,” Abiodun said.
Speaking on behalf of the Southern Governors, Abiodun emphasized solidarity, saying, “In Ogun State, we believe anything that affects Oyo State affects us as well. We will continue to remember all those affected in our prayers and work to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
The delegation expressed their shared grief, affirming their commitment to the welfare and safety of citizens across the region.
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