08/01/2025
The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, urged the state high court in Ibadan not to grant bail to the ex-queen of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Shilekunola, Hamzat Oriyomi, and a school principal, Fasasi Abdullah
The court had on December 24 remanded the trio in prison over the death of 35 children during a Christmas Funfair they organised in Ibadan, which resulted in a fatal stampede.
The defendants spent both Christmas and New Yearâs Day at the Nigerian Correctional Services facility in Agodi.
During Tuesdayâs hearing at High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, the defence counsel urged the court to admit them to bail but the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail requests, insisting that the applicants had not shown sufficient grounds for their release.
âThe bail request of the applicants must not be granted by the court,â Aikomo stated. He also countered claims of persecution by the state government, describing them as unfounded.
Earlier, the defence counsel argued that their clientâs detention was unconstitutional, citing procedural irregularities and challenging the courtâs jurisdiction.
They maintained that the âholding chargeâ used to remand the suspects was not recognised under Nigeriaâs Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Waheed Olajide, representing Fasasi Abdulahi, principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, argued that the detention was unjustified.
âNo formal charge is preferred against the applicant before any court of competent jurisdiction,â Olajide said.
He further emphasised Abdulahiâs poor health condition, stating, âThe law makes provision for exceptional circumstances, which include ill health, upon which the suspects can be released on bail. The applicant is battling with his health and needs to be taken care of medically.â
Silekunolaâs lawyer, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), described her continued detention as unconstitutional.
âAnybody can be detained, but it must be in accordance with the law, irrespect
The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, urged the state high court in Ibadan not to grant bail to the ex-queen of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Shilekunola, Hamzat Oriyomi, and a school principal, Fasasi Abdullahi.