The Oyo State High Court has dismissed all charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The trio had been facing legal action following the tragic stampede at a children’s Christmas funfair in December 2024, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left several others injured.
Presiding over the case, Justice B.K. Olawoyin ruled in favor of the Oyo State Government’s decision to withdraw all charges, citing concerns that the continued prosecution could discourage philanthropic initiatives. Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo emphasized that while the incident was deeply unfortunate, legal action might deter individuals from organizing similar humanitarian programs in the future.
The defendants had been charged with conspiracy, culpable homicide, and negligence after the funfair, organized by Queen Naomi’s foundation, WINGS (Women In Need of Guidance and Support), allegedly lacked adequate safety measures. However, with the government’s withdrawal of the case, the matter has now been officially struck out.
This ruling has sparked discussions on the need for stricter safety protocols for public events, particularly those involving children. Meanwhile, families of the victims continue to seek assurances that lessons will be learned from the tragedy.
Stay tuned for further developments.
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