Ibadan stampede: Court dismisses case against Queen Naomi, others

By Adejayan Gbenga

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday struck out the case against Queen Naomi Silekunolami, popular Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and the principal of Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, over the December 2024 stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The defendants had been facing a four-count charge, including conspiracy, causing death by negligence, negligent acts leading to harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

The charges stemmed from the tragedy that occurred during a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Delivering the ruling, Justice B.K. Olawoyin stated that proceeding with the case could discourage individuals with humanitarian intentions from supporting vulnerable members of society.

Reacting to the judgment, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat commended the ruling, stating that the case would not deter him from continuing his humanitarian efforts.