The owner of Ibadan-based broadcasting station, Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has perfected his bail conditions and has been released from Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The broadcaster regained freedom with his co-accused, including Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi.

They were all remanded over their alleged involvement in the Ibadan stampede that resulted in the deaths of 35 children in December 2024.

Giving a ruling on his bail application on Monday, Justice K. B. Olawoyin admitted the suspects to bail with a bond of ₦10 million each and two sureties in like sums.

However, Hamzat, after regaining his freedom on Tuesday, was received by a mammoth crowd at his broadcasting station, where he was captured in tears while addressing the people.

He told the crowd, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”

Recall that the Oyo State Government filed an 18-count criminal charge against Silekunola, Hamzat and Fasasi after the tragic incident.

The case, which was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the State High Court, is marked with charge number I/05C/2025.

The trio were accused of offences including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related charges.

The charge sheet obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday revealed that the accused individuals failed to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair event held at the Islamic High School.

Their alleged negligence led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 35 children, with 14 victims identified in court documents.

The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to commit acts of criminal negligence, contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

According to the charge sheet, the trio “Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities, resulting in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8, and 34 other children.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has sworn in Benson Ojeikere, an indigene of Edo State, as the new Head of Service for the state.

Ojeikere, who was initially posted to Abia as a youth corps member in the late 90s, stood out as the best corps member, which led to his automatic employment in the state’s civil service.

He was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2023 under Governor Otti’s administration.

Having excelled in the selection process for the Head of Service position, Ojeikere’s appointment was based on merit and competence.

The state government emphasized that this decision underscores Governor Otti’s commitment to meritocracy and his policy of “If you live in Abia, you are Abian,” reflecting the true spirit of “One Nigeria,” as encapsulated in the National Anthem’s words: “Though Tribe and Tongue May Differ, In Brotherhood We Stand.”

During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Otti congratulated Ojeikere for his success in the selection process and urged him to work towards transforming the State Civil Service into a more efficient and effective workforce.

In his remarks, the newly sworn-in Head of Service, Benson Ojeikere, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the rare opportunity to serve as the state’s top civil servant.

He promised to work with the Government to reposition the State Civil Service and make it a model that other States within and outside Nigeria will come to learn from.

Meanwhile the appointment of Ojeikere has received commendations from all quartets as many called on other governors to emulate the action of governor Otti, which they maintained was a more proactive way of promoting unity and integration among Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu has declined to give assent to the bill establishing the Federal University of Education located in Numan, Adamawa State.

The President gave reasons for his decision in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to media reports, the President in the letter which was read during plenary said his decision stems from unresolved land discrepancies and constitutional issues regarding disposal rights.

Speaking, the Senate President, Sen Godswill Akpabio however assured his colleagues that other minor concerns raised in the course of the Bill would be addressed in due course.