The owner of Agidigbo FM, an Ibadan-based broadcasting station, Oriyomi Hamzat, has been released from the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, after perfecting his bail conditions.
Hamzat was freed alongside his co-accused, Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, and Islamic High School Principal, Abdulahi Fasasi.
The trio had been remanded over their alleged roles in the tragic Ibadan stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in December 2024.
Hamzat, upon his release on Tuesday, was welcomed by a massive crowd at the premises of Agidigbo FM. Overcome with emotion, he addressed his supporters briefly, saying, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
Bail Conditions And Court Proceedings
Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court granted bail to the accused on Monday. Each defendant was admitted to bail with a bond of ₦10 million and two sureties in like sums.
The Oyo State Government had filed an 18-count criminal charge against the trio, alleging conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related offences.
The charges stemmed from their alleged failure to ensure adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during a funfair held at the Islamic High School.
Henzodaily gathered that the accused were charged with conspiring to commit criminal negligence, contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The prosecution alleged that their negligence directly caused the stampede, which led to the deaths of 35 children, including 8-year-old Musiliu Sofiat, among others.
The charge sheet read, “The defendants 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.”
The tragic stampede occurred during a funfair event held at the Islamic High School in December 2024.