Ibadan Stampede: Oriyomi Hamzat regains freedom

Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, has been released from custody after fulfilling the requirements of his bail. 

Hamzat, Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, were all granted bail by the Oyo State High Court on Monday, January 13, 2025. 

The three are on trial for their alleged involvement in a stampede that killed over thirty people at an Ibadan funfair in December. 

Children made up the majority of the victims. Hamzat was spotted with a group of people, many of whom were delighted about him, in a video that was uploaded to X on Tuesday.

Addressing them in Yoruba, he said, “Oriyomi is back! I’m in a time of reflection, so I’ll remain silent for now. Thank you very much; I’m truly grateful. You may take your leave.” 

As you may remember, Oriyomi and the other accused were placed under detention at the Agodi Correctional Centre after the unfortunate occurrence. 

Four charges were brought against them, including conspiracy, negligence that caused harm, and inadequate security and medical facilities. 

The prosecution informed the court during the case's reopened hearing at the Sikiru Opaleye magistrate court that the accused were guilty and would have to stand trial. 

Olabisi Ogunkanmi, the Chief Magistrate, said that since the magistrate court lacked the authority to hear the matter, an appeal should be filed and fully heard at the high court. 

Ogunkanmi postponed the case to January 27 and stated that the high court will declare the magistrate court issue moot.

Source