An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun.
The three were detained after about 35 persons, mostly children, were crushed to death during a stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, where Naomi Silekunola was supposed to give out Christmas gifts to children.
Organizers say they planned for and expected about 5,000, but over 7,000 persons turned up.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin approved the bail applications on Monday. Hamzat’s bail is ₦10 million, and he must provide two sureties.
The court also ordered Agidigbo FM to stop broadcasting news related to the ongoing case.
The defendants submitted their bail applications last Tuesday but remained in custody until today.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the defence argued that the defendants were not a flight risk and would fully cooperate with the investigation. However, Oyo State Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo opposed the bail, citing the serious charges. He said, “We must uphold justice for the victims and their families.”
The court considered both sides and reserved its ruling until January 13.
When they perfect their bail conditions, they could be released to attend trial from outside prison.
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