The Oyo State Government has droped criminal charges against Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, Prophetess Naomi, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat and Fasasi Abdullahi Fasasi, over the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024.
Oyo State’s Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the decision on Wednesday while addressing journalists after the court ruling.
The Ibadan High Court officially struck out the case following the attorney-general’s withdrawal.
After the court session, Attorney-General Abiodun Aikomo explained that the state withdrew the case because the defendants demonstrated empathy and compassion.
Meanwhile, Abdulwaheed Olajide, counsel to Fasasi, revealed that both the victims’ families and the defendants had reached an agreement to settle the matter out of court.
Charity initiative
Glamsquad recalls that In December, Prophetess Naomi found herself in legal trouble over her charity initiative. The mother of the crown prince, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat, had organized an event to feed the less privileged. However, the gathering took a tragic turn when a stampede claimed the lives of over 32 children.
Following the incident, the former queen and Hamzat were arrested and arraigned on a four-count charge, including conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
In January, the Oyo State Government filed an 18-count criminal charge against the trio, accusing them of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and related offenses. According to the charge sheet, they failed to provide adequate security, crowd control measures, and medical facilities at the ill-fated funfair held at Islamic High School.
An Oyo State High Court later granted them bail under five conditions. They were required to post ₦10 million each, provide two sureties with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, and surrender their international passports. Additionally, they were barred from granting interviews for the duration of the case.
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