Ibadan stampede: Oriyomi Hamzat regains freedom after meeting bail conditions

Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, has regained freedom after meeting bail conditions.

Hamzat; Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; and Fasasi Abdullahi, principal of the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan; were each granted bail on Monday in the sum of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.

The trio are standing trial for their alleged roles in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan in December, which claimed the lives of over 30 people, most of them children.

In a video posted via X on Tuesday, Hamzat was seen surrounded by a group of people, whom he tersely addressed as they jubilated over his release.

“Oriyomi is back! I’m in a time of reflection, so I’ll remain silent for now. Thank you very much; I’m truly grateful. You may take your leave,” he said in Yoruba.

On December 24, 2024, the defendants were remanded at Agodi correctional centre after being charged with four counts bordering on conspiracy, negligence causing harm, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

Sikiru Opaleye, the prosecutor, at the resumed hearing of the case at the magistrate court, informed Olabisi Ogunkanmi, the chief magistrate, that the state’s public prosecution department believes the defendants are culpable and must face trial.

The court ruled that an appeal be filed and taken formally at the high court since the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.

Ogunkanmi clarified that the high court would render the magistrate court case moot, and adjourned the matter until January 27.

Abdulfatai Oyedeji, counsel to the third defendant, said at the next hearing “the three defendants will appear, their appeals would be taken and from there, the battleground will shift to the high court”.