The Oyo State Government has filed eight counts of murder and manslaughter against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The charges stem from a stampede at a children’s funfair on December 18, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
The charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025 and filed on January 10, 2025, at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, lists the state government as the complainant, with Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi as defendants. The government alleges conspiracy to commit murder and manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other offenses under the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The charge sheet identifies 14 out of the 35 deceased children, including Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8, Lekan Salami, aged 7, Feyikemi Salam, aged 1.5, and others ranging from 1.5 to 18 years old. The state accuses the defendants of failing to provide adequate security, crowd control measures, and medical facilities at the funfair, alleging that this negligence directly caused the fatalities.
Fasasi faces additional charges, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, and negligent acts causing harm. Governor Seyi Makinde previously pledged that the state would ensure accountability for the tragic incident.
The defendants, arrested on December 24, 2024, remain in custody as they await trial.
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