A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Tuesday ordered the remand of three individuals over their alleged involvement in the deadly stampede that claimed 35 lives and left six critically injured during a Christmas funfair on December 18 at Islamic High School, Bashorun.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, ordered the remand of the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; founder and CEO of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the principal of Islamic High School, Abdullahi Fasasi, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.
The suspects face a four-count charge, including conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts causing harm. According to the prosecution, the trio played a critical role in the events leading to the stampede, which turned a festive celebration into a tragedy.
The court’s decision follows a heavily secured hearing where Ogunkanmi ruled that the defendants remain in custody pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. On Monday, President Bola Tinubu, in his first media chat since his inauguration, addressed the stampede and similar incidents at charity events in Abuja and Anambra.
President Tinubu criticised the organisers for inadequate planning, stating, “This is a grave error on the part of the organisers. I have been giving to the less privileged for 25 years in Bourdillon, and we’ve never experienced a stampede.”
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the president urged event planners to prioritise safety. “It is good to give, but if you don’t have enough to give, do not publicise it,” he advised.
The remand order and presidential remarks underscore growing concerns over the safety of public events, particularly during the festive season. Further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the defendants’ roles in the tragedy.
