Ibadan-based broadcaster and owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has been released from Agodi Correctional Centre in Oyo State after meeting his bail conditions. Hamzat, along with co-accused individuals, including the Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, and Abdulahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, regained freedom following their remand over alleged involvement in the tragic Ibadan stampede that claimed 35 children’s lives in December 2024.
Justice K. B. Olawoyin granted bail to the accused on Monday, requiring a bond of ₦10 million each and two sureties in like sums. On Tuesday, Hamzat was greeted by a massive crowd at his broadcasting station, where he tearfully addressed his supporters, saying, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
The Oyo State Government had filed an 18-count criminal charge against Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi, including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. The charge sheet detailed the defendants’ failure to provide adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during a funfair event at the Islamic High School, which led to the deadly stampede.
The prosecution alleged their negligence directly caused the deaths of 35 children, with court documents identifying 14 victims. The charges, filed under Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000, emphasize the omission of critical safety measures, including the lack of provisions for security and crowd management. Among the victims named in the case was eight-year-old Musiliu Sofiat.
The incident remains a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols in public events and the accountability of organizers in ensuring the protection of attendees.
Source: Swifteradio.com
