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January 8, 2025 Stampede Case: Court to Rule on Bail for Ooni’s Ex-Wife and Others January 13

Stampede Case: Court to Rule on Bail for Ooni’s Ex-Wife and Others January 13

The controversy surrounding the Ibadan funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors took another turn as a High Court in Ibadan adjourned its ruling on the bail applications for the suspects involved. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, presiding over the case, scheduled the decision for Tuesday, January 13, 2025, after hearing arguments from both sides.

The suspects—Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the school—are facing charges including conspiracy, causing death by negligence, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. They were initially arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Iyaganku on these charges.

During a proceeding that lasted over five hours, defense counsels argued for their clients’ release on bail, citing insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention at the Agodi Correctional Centre. Conversely, the Oyo State Government, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications. The government highlighted compelling reasons to deny the suspects' release, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

The tragic stampede occurred during a funfair organized by Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debates over event safety and accountability.

Notably, similar stampedes during food distribution in Anambra and Abuja occurred days after the Ibadan tragedy, collectively resulting in another 35 fatalities. These events have amplified calls for stricter measures to prevent such disasters and ensure public safety.

January 7, 2025 Bandits Demand ₦100m Levy from Zamfara Communities

Bandits Demand ₦100m Levy from Zamfara Communities

Notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide has imposed over ₦100 million in levies on 23 communities in Tsafe West, under Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Reports indicate that each community was assigned specific amounts, with the highest levies demanded from Kunchin-Kalgo (₦20 million), Sungawa (₦15 million), and Rakyabu (₦15 million). Other affected villages include Kwaren Mai-Saje (₦10 million), Magazawa (₦10 million), Gijin-Zama (₦8.5 million), Giwa (₦7 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), and Barebari (₦6 million).

Additional targets are Unguwar Rogo (₦5 million), Machiya (₦5 million), Katuga (₦5 million), Magazu (₦5 million), Tsageru (₦5 million), Gidan-Anne (₦7 million), Unguwar Dan Halima (₦5 million), Kauyen-Kane (₦5 million), Kurar-Mota (₦6 million), Kibari (₦3 million), Sabon-Garin Bakin Gulbi (₦2.5 million), Karda (₦5 million), Dakolo (₦5 million), and Yalwa (₦2.7 million).

The levy has created panic among residents, who fear violent reprisals if the demands are not met.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dalijan confirmed the situation during a phone interview, assuring residents that security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to prevent attacks and maintain order.

“It is true that Dogo Gide imposed levies on some communities, but we have deployed our men to those areas. Nobody will threaten them; security agencies are on the ground,” he said.

Dalijan also emphasized that no village has been abandoned, adding, “No community has been deserted, and nobody has fled their homes due to the threats.”

The imposition of levies by bandits is a growing tactic used to extort rural communities in Zamfara, a state grappling with persistent insecurity.

Residents are urging the government to take decisive steps to eliminate banditry and restore peace in the region.

January 7, 2025 Three Killed in Ogbomoso as Container Crushes Tricycle

Three Killed in Ogbomoso as Container Crushes Tricycle

Three people lost their lives on Tuesday morning in Ogbomoso when a container-laden truck overturned and crushed a commercial tricycle at Takie Junction around 9:30 a.m.

According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred when the truck lost control while navigating a bend, causing its container to topple onto the tricycle, locally known as Keke Marwa. Tragically, the tricycle's rider and two female passengers were trapped beneath the container. Rescue teams later confirmed that all three victims had died.

Efforts are ongoing to remove the fallen container to restore normal traffic flow and prevent further accidents in the area. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section of the road.

January 7, 2025 Disengaged Staff Sue CBN, Seek ₦30bn Compensation

Disengaged Staff Sue CBN, Seek ₦30bn Compensation

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) employees, dismissed during a mass layoff in 2024, have filed a lawsuit against the bank at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja. The aggrieved staff are challenging the legality of their termination and seeking ₦30 billion in damages, among other reliefs.

The plaintiffs, 33 former employees represented by Okwudili Abanum, argue that their dismissals violated internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and their constitutional right to a fair hearing. The lawsuit stems from termination letters issued on April 5, 2024, citing “Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring.” The claimants contend that these letters were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

The suit highlights the alleged disregard for Article 16.4.1 of the CBN Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM), which mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before any adverse employment action. The dismissed staff assert they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property, without prior consultation or due process.

The claimants are asking the court:

  1. Declare their termination null and void.
  2. Issue a restraining order preventing the CBN from dismissing them without following proper procedures.
  3. Reinstate them with full salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
  4. Award ₦30 billion in damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.
  5. Award an additional ₦500 million to cover the cost of the suit.

During the initial hearing on November 20, 2024, presiding judge Justice O.A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to seek an amicable resolution, referencing Section 20 of the NIC Act of 2006. However, the CBN, represented by lead counsel Inam Wilson, has filed a preliminary objection to the suit. The court has scheduled January 29, 2025, for a hearing on the objection.

The mass layoffs, carried out in four batches between March and May 2024, affected around 1,000 employees. While the CBN attributed the dismissals to reorganization, the claimants allege the process lacked board approval, as required by the CBN Act. Some dismissed staff reported receiving severance packages as low as ₦5,000, while others claimed their gratuities were absorbed to offset outstanding loans.

In a December 4, 2024 statement, the CBN defended its actions, stating that the early exit packages were voluntary and carried no negative repercussions for eligible staff.

The case underscores ongoing tensions over the bank’s restructuring efforts and the rights of its former employees.

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