The Oyo State Government has opposed granting bail to Naomi Shilekunola (Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife), Hamzat Oriyomi, and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of an Islamic school, who are being held in connection with the deadly stampede that occurred during a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
The trio has been detained since December 24. During a hearing on January 8, their defense argued that their detention was unconstitutional and unlawful, citing procedural irregularities and the use of an unrecognized “holding charge” under Nigeria’s criminal law. The defense also claimed that the suspectsâ continued detention violated their rights. In contrast, the Attorney General of Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail, asserting the applicants hadn’t provided sufficient grounds for release. The court will rule on the bail request on January 13, 2025.
