Court seals Ekiti hotel, remands 12 over convocation after-party stampede
By Boye Oyeyemi
A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has ordered the closure of Crown Emirate Hotel in Ikere Ekiti following the death of three persons in a stampede during a convocation party.
The presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, also granted an application by the state Attorney General to allow the Director of Public Prosecution to take over the case.
The police arraigned 12 suspects in connection with the incident, charging them with conspiracy, criminal negligence and manslaughter.
Police prosecutor, Martins Akala, urged the court to remand the defendants for 30 days to allow for further investigation.
“The application is supported by an affidavit detailing the roles of the suspects and the need for adequate investigation,” he told the court.
Counsel to the Ekiti State Government, Kunle Adeyemo, said he had the backing of the Attorney General, Dayo Apata, to assume control of the prosecution.
Defence lawyers opposed the move, insisting there was no basis to detain their clients and arguing that their fundamental rights would be breached.
Ruling on the matter, the magistrate ordered the remand of the suspects in correctional custody pending legal advice from the DPP and adjourned the case till May 19, 2026, for further hearing.
