The Oyo State Government has withdrawn criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic December 2024 stampede that claimed at least 35 children’s lives.

After Thursday’s court session, the trio, visibly relieved, exchanged smiles and pleasantries—marking their freedom from the case.

Confirming the development, the state’s Attorney-General, Abiodun Aikomo, addressed the media.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” he said in a live Facebook session. “Whenever unnatural deaths occur, the law must take its not course. Initially, the state pursued prosecution, but the accused showed empathy and compassion. Justice is not about persecution but fairness, and in this case, discontinuing the charges served that purpose.”

The decision follows months of legal battles,” he stated.

Earlier, the Oyo State High Court had granted the accused bail, paving the way for their eventual release.

Recall in December 24,2024, Queen Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, was first arraigned in court on December 24, 2024, in connection with a tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s funfair in Ibadan on December 18, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 35 children.  Alongside her, Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, were also arraigned.

They faced a four-count charge, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.  Following their arraignment, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi ordered their remand at the Agodi Correctional Centre pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

Subsequently, on January 13, 2025, an Oyo State High Court granted bail to Queen Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi.

The bail conditions included a sum of N10 million and two sureties who were required to submit landed documents within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the defendants were ordered to deposit their international passports with the court and were barred from granting any form of interview during the pendency of the case.

On March 20, 2025, the Oyo State Government withdrew all charges against Queen Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi.

This decision followed expressions of empathy from the affected families and their requests for the withdrawal of the case. Some families had received compensation, and seized documents were returned.