Police arraigns Ooni’s ex-wife, two others over death of 35 children in Ibadan stampede

Police on Tuesday arraigned the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola and two others at the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over last week’s stampede which killed 35 children in the state.

Other defendants are – 51-year-old popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hazmat and 56-year-old principal 56-year-old principal of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdullahi.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts over last Wednesday’s incident in the college.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendants’ plea, due to lack of jurisdiction, ordered their remand at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan.

Ogunkanmi said she was remanding the defendants pending legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

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She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till January 13, 2025, for mention.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendants allegedly invited some children for a funfair programme but failed to provide a conducive environment with adequate security and medical facilities.

He said: “The eventual stampede at the venue allegedly accelerated the death of eight-year-old Sofiat Musiliu, a female, and 34 others between the ages of five months to 13 years.”

The prosecutor added that the offences were contrary to Sections 324, 311, 517 and 344 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

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