Ibadan Court Remands Three in Connection with Deadly Funfair Stampede
A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has ordered the remand of three individuals in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred during a funfair on Wednesday, which resulted in the deaths of 35 people.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, did not take the defendants’ pleas due to lack of jurisdiction and remanded them at the Agodi Correctional Centre. The three defendants include former queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and school principal Fasasi Abdullahi face a four-count charge related to conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts causing harm.
Prosecutor Police Inspector, Sikiru Opaleye stated that the defendants had organized a funfair for children but failed to provide adequate security and medical facilities, leading to the stampede that caused the death of 35 minors, including an 8-year-old girl.
Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi adjourned the case until January 13 for further mention, pending legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). The police had arrested eight individuals in connection with the incident, with Silekunola, a key organizer of the event, being among the first detained. The tragic event took place during a Christmas party organized by the WINGS Foundation, a group established by Silekunola, which aimed to bring joy to children but ended in chaos and devastation.
The police have transferred the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, with investigations being led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. The tragic incident has drawn widespread attention, with the authorities working to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
