An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has dismissed the murder charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School.
The trio had been facing legal action following a tragic stampede at a children’s event in December 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice B. K. Olawoyin stated that holding the defendants accountable could discourage individuals and organizations from engaging in humanitarian efforts.
The court struck out the four-count charge, which included conspiracy, negligence leading to harm, failure to ensure proper security, and inadequate medical provisions.
Oyo State’s Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Biodun Aikomo, welcomed the ruling, stating in an interview that the decision to withdraw the charges was made in the interest of justice.
“There is no case against them again; they are now free,” he affirmed.
