An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ring Road, Ibadan, on Monday, granted bail to former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; broadcaster and CEO of Agidigbo Radio FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the principal of Islamic High School, Abdulahi Fasasi.
The trio had been in custody since December 24, 2024, following their arrest in connection with the tragic funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024. 
Presiding over the case, Justice K.B. Olawoyin ruled in favor of a bail application filed by the defendants’ counsel, setting five conditions for their release.
These include a bail bond of ₦10 million, two sureties who must submit valid landed documents within the court’s jurisdiction, the deposit of their international passports with the court, and a prohibition against granting interviews during the pendency of the case.
The Oyo State Government had earlier filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of “conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit: murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and conspiracy to commit criminal negligence.”
The charges stem from allegations that the trio failed to provide adequate safety measures at the funfair, which resulted in the stampede.
Speaking on the bail ruling, Adekunle Sobaloju, counsel for Oriyomi Hamzat, stated, “The court has listened to our application, and the ruling was delivered today in favor of our clients.
The bail terms, though stringent, provide a chance for the defendants to prepare their defense adequately.”
The tragic incident has sparked debates on the importance of crowd control at public events and the responsibility of event organizers to ensure safety.
While the bail ruling brings temporary relief to the families of the defendants, the case highlights the ongoing pursuit of accountability for the lives lost.
As the case progresses, the defendants are expected to comply with the court’s conditions and prepare for their defense against the serious allegations.
The Oyo State Government continues to emphasize the need for justice and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
