The Oyo State Government has taken decisive legal action against ex-queen Naomi Silekunola, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi, over the December 18, 2024, funfair stampede that resulted in the tragic deaths of 35 children.
The government filed an eight-count charge, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence, at the Oyo State High Court on Friday, January 10, 2025. 
The charges accuse the defendants of failing to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities at the children’s event in Ibadan, which ultimately led to the fatal stampede.
The offenses, the government said, violate Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The prosecution described the incident as a preventable tragedy caused by gross negligence on the part of the event organizers.
Court documents disclosed the identities of 14 out of the 35 children who lost their lives in the incident, including Musiliu Sofiat, aged eight, Feyikemi Salam, aged 1.5 years, and Lekan Salami, aged seven.
The state alleged that the defendants “negligently omitted to provide measures to prevent the stampede,” adding that such an omission led directly to the children’s deaths.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured the public that the state would ensure justice for the victims, emphasizing that their deaths would not be in vain.
“This is a deeply painful incident, and the state is committed to prosecuting those responsible,” he stated after the arrests.
The principal of Islamic High School, Abdulahi Fasasi, faces additional charges, including acceleration of death and negligent acts causing harm.
Meanwhile, the accused have been in custody since their arrest on December 24, 2024.
The trial has drawn attention to the need for stringent safety measures at public events, especially those involving children.
Many observers hope that the case will not only provide justice for the victims but also serve as a lesson for event organizers across the country to prioritize safety and accountability.
The case continues to be closely followed by residents, families of the victims, and legal observers.
