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Just In: Oyo govt drops criminal charges against Oriyomi Hamzat, Queen Naomi others over Ibadan stampede

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Oyo State Government has dropped the criminal charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM and Mr Abdullahi Fasasi the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

It was gathered that the charges were initially slammed on the trio following the tragic stampede in December 2024 that resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children during a children’s festive party.

However, in a viral video, the defendants were visibly showing their happiness and exchanging pleasantries after the trial on Thursday, signalling their relief and release from the charges.

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This development was later confirmed by the Oyo State Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Abiodun Aikomo, who addressed the media after the court session.

Speaking in a live coverage monitored by SaharaReporters on Facebook, the Attorney General said: “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.

“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties.

“And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.”

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This decision comes after an intense period of legal proceedings. Earlier, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi.

The ruling, pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, was made after the defendants had argued their bail applications before the court.

The court granted Naomi N10 million bail with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were also granted bail on similar terms.

In addition, the court ordered the suspects to deposit their passports with the court and barred them from granting interviews, effectively placing restrictions on their public engagements.

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The drama surrounding the case began after the tragic stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, during a children’s event in December 2024, where dozens of young children lost their lives in a chaotic rush.

The victims’ families and the public were left devastated by the horrifying incident. It was one of the most devastating tragedies in recent memory in Oyo State.

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The prosecution team, led by Oyo State’s Attorney General, had initially opposed bail for the defendants, emphasising the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims.

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However, the defence team argued for bail, stating that the accused cooperated with the investigation and did not pose a flight risk.

Governor Makinde had previously insisted that those responsible for the stampede must face trial but also expressed openness to the suspects being granted bail during the proceedings.

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Go Home , Don’t Go To Boyfriends after collecting Certificate – NYSC Coordinator tells Female Corps Members

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Mrs Rifkatu Yakubu, Bauchi State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged female Corps members to return home to their parents after completing their service.

Yakubu made the call during the distribution of National Service certificates to corps members who completed the one-year mandatory service on Thursday.

While specifically addressing the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream 11 female corps members, she said, “Ladies, please remember that your boyfriends are not your parents. Do not say that after collecting your certificates, you are heading to your boyfriends’ houses.
“Go back home to your parents and celebrate with them. You have just completed your national service, and this is a moment to share with your family.”

She also encouraged corps members to put their skills to good use, particularly those acquired through the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

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“Even if you haven’t learnt anything from the SAED programme, it’s not too late. Instead of going home to sit idle, find something to do to support your parents.

Use this last allowance wisely; invest in learning a trade,” she said.

Yakubu further cautioned corps members against engaging in fraudulent activities such as internet fraud (yahoo yahoo), kidnapping, or ritual killings in pursuit of quick wealth.

“These are not the values NYSC has instilled in you. You have served to become responsible members of society,” she said.

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“Represent your family well, be a good ambassador of Nigeria, your institution, and the NYSC.”

She also advised the corps members to carefully check their National Service certificates for errors before laminating them.
However, a total of 1,652 corps members passed out in Bauchi State, comprising 1,118 males and 534 females.
(NAN)

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SAD! Gas Explosion in Abia State Claims Two Lives and Leaves Over 10 Injured

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A gas explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company, a Chinese firm located in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. The blast, reportedly triggered by a faulty gas valve, caused widespread damage within the facility and left multiple casualties in its wake.

According to Maureen Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer for the Abia State Police Command, the incident resulted in two fatalities and over 10 injuries.

The command was informed of the incident by the Chinese firm’s Chief Security Officer on Tuesday.

Dike Briggs Nwankwo, Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, recounted his immediate response to the incident, suspending all official engagements to visit the scene. Upon arrival, he witnessed the devastation firsthand, describing how the explosion had “completely ripped apart the roof” of the affected section.

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Initial reports on social media claimed that up to 20 people had lost their lives in the blast. However, Nwankwo confirmed that a review of CCTV footage by the factory’s management and local authorities revealed that the explosion occurred while a customer was handling a gas cylinder valve. He stated that 12 people were affected, with two fatalities and 10 injuries. The injured are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Port Harcourt and are reportedly responding well to treatment.

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Parents of 9 kidnapped kids beg Bauchi gov for assistance

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Parents of the nine kidnapped children in Miya village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State have appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed to intervene and assist them in rescuing their wards.

The parents made the plea while speaking with journalists at the NUJ Press Centre in Bauchi on Wednesday.

The spokesman of the parents, Musa Kwana, who is the traditional ruler of the community stated that unless the governor and his wife Aisha Bala Mohammed intervene, they may not see their children again.

Kwana gave the names of the children abducted as Sangi Turaki, Cikawa Turaki, Danjuma Turaki, Yangawa Dogo Talangu, Bebi Bawa, Jumolo Dangaladima, Kangaya Kori, Jummai Adamu and Alti Shehu, all of Miya village in Ganjuwa LGA of Bauchi State.

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The spokesman said, “Now that we have tried everything humanly possible for several years since the incident happened in 2014 and could not get a positive result, we want the governor and his wife to step in and wipe our tears. We want to see our children.”

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