The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, opposed bail applications filed by Naomi Shilekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Hamzat Oriyomi, and school principal Fasasi Abdullahi, who are currently in detention over their involvement in a deadly stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The court had ordered the trio’s remand in prison on December 24 following the tragic incident. They have since spent Christmas and New Year’s Day at the Nigerian Correctional Services facility in Agodi.
During a hearing at High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Tuesday, the defense counsel urged the court to grant bail, but Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly opposed the request. Aikomo insisted that the applicants had not provided sufficient grounds for their release.
“The bail request of the applicants must not be granted by the court,” Aikomo declared. He further dismissed claims of persecution by the state government, calling them unfounded.
The defense argued that the detention of their clients was unconstitutional, citing procedural errors and questioning the court’s jurisdiction. They also raised concerns about the “holding charge” used to remand the suspects, claiming it was not recognized under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Waheed Olajide, representing Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of Islamic High School in Basorun, contended that the detention was unjust. “No formal charge has been preferred against the applicant before any court of competent jurisdiction,” Olajide argued, emphasizing Abdullahi’s deteriorating health and his need for medical attention.
Silekunola’s counsel, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), also condemned the continued detention, describing it as unconstitutional. “Anyone can be detained, but it must be in accordance with the law, regardless of the offense committed,” he stated. “The applicants are being held under a holding charge, which is not recognized in the criminal administration of justice.”
Hazmat Oriyomi’s lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), also argued that the detention violated constitutional rights. “The holding charge used to detain the suspects is not known in the criminal administration of justice,” he asserted.
After hearing from both sides, Justice K.B. Olawoyin adjourned the ruling on the bail applications until Monday, January 13, 2025.
