KEY POINTS

• Oyo State opposes bail for three accused in stampede case.
• Defence argues detention violates constitutional provisions and ACJA guidelines.
• Court to rule on bail applications on January 13, 2025.

The Oyo State Government has urged a high court in Ibadan to deny bail to former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; broadcaster Hamzat Oriyomi; and school principal Fasasi Abdullahi.

Prosecutors accuse the three defendants of organizing a Christmas funfair in Ibadan that caused a stampede, leading to the tragic death of 35 children.

Defence argues illegal detention

During the hearing at High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, the defence counsel argued that the continued detention of the accused was unconstitutional, citing procedural irregularities. They contended that the “holding charge” used to remand the suspects is not recognized under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), representing Naomi Silekunola, described her detention as a violation of her constitutional rights. “Adetunmbi said anybody can be detained, but it must be in accordance with the law, irrespective of the offences committed,” .

Similarly, Waheed Olajide, counsel for Fasasi Abdullahi, emphasized the principal’s poor health, urging the court to grant bail on compassionate grounds. “The law provides for exceptional circumstances, such as ill health, which justify the release of suspects on bail,” he noted.

State opposes bail requests

The Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications, arguing that the defendants had not presented sufficient grounds for their release. Furthermore, he dismissed claims of persecution and asserted, “The court must not grant the bail request of the applicants.”

Aikomo further maintained that the state acted within the law in detaining the suspects and dismissed the defence’s arguments as baseless.

Awaiting a ruling

Justice K.B. Olawoyin, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the case to Monday, January 13, 2025, for a ruling on the bail applications.

Moreover the defendants spent christmas and new year in the police custody at the Nigerian Correctional Services facility in Agodi.