The Oyo State Government on Tuesday opposed the bail applications of Ooni of Ife’s former queen, Naomi Shilekunola, Hamzat Oriyomi, and Fasasi Abdullahi, a school principal, after they were remanded in custody in connection with a deadly stampede during a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred on December 24, resulted in the tragic deaths of 35 children.
At the hearing held at High Court 8 in Ibadan, the defendants’ lawyers requested bail, but the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, argued against the application.
Aikomo asserted that the defense had failed to present valid reasons to justify bail and dismissed claims of government persecution as baseless.
The defense, however, contested the detention, labeling it unconstitutional and citing procedural flaws in the remand process.
They also argued that the “holding charge” used to keep the suspects in custody was not recognized by Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Waheed Olajide, representing Fasasi Abdullahi, challenged the legality of the detention, emphasizing his client’s poor health and the need for medical attention.
Similarly, Silekunola’s lawyer, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), argued that the detention violated constitutional provisions, as the holding charge was not supported by the law.
The court has adjourned its ruling on the bail applications until January 13, 2025.
