Queen Naomi, Two Others, Remand in Custody
A Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the remand of three individuals, including Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The remand order was given by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, pending the issuance of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Oyo State
The trio was arraigned on a four-count holding charge, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities. The charges are related to a stampede that occurred at a children’s funfair program, resulting in the death of 35 children, including an 8-year-old girl and 34 others between the ages of 5 months and 13 years
The legal representative of Queen Naomi, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), stated that the defendants have been put on holding charge, and the magistrate cannot exercise jurisdiction due to the capital offense in the charge. The counsel to Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde also argued that the magistrate court cannot countenance the offense and that the arraignment was not proper.
Meanwhile, the police have released five suspects arrested in connection with the stampede, including Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
By Omolola Dare
GMN Correspondent, Oyo State
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