The bail was set at 10 million naira with two sureties for each defendant. Additional conditions include sureties having landed property in Ibadan, submitting their international passports, and refraining from media interviews.
The defendants were arrested following a tragic Christmas funfair that claimed the lives of 35 children in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. They face 18-count charges related to conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.
On Tuesday, January 7, the court had reserved its ruling on the bail applications. The defendants were arrested in connection with the tragic Christmas funfair that claimed the lives of 35 children in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Hamzat is the founder of Agidigbo FM, while Fasasi is the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. A Chief Magistrate Court had earlier remanded them in Agodi Correctional Facility in December 2024.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel for the three bail applicants presented their arguments before the High Court. Barrister Adekunle Shobaloju, counsel for Hamzat, argued that his client had no serious connection to the allegations and charges against him, and claimed that he only provided publicity and the venue for the event.
Counsel for Queen Naomi argued that the Chief Magistrate Court lacked the constitutional right to remand his client, as it exceeded the court’s jurisdiction.
The Attorney General of Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, argued that the bail requests should be denied.
The Oyo State government charged the suspects with 18-count charges related to conspiracy to commit a felony, namely murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence, and criminal negligence.
The offences are contrary to and punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that Queen Naomi Ogunwusi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and others accused in connection with the stampede that claimed 35 lives in Ibadan must face trial.
Makinde stated this at the government house in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, January 6.
The governor said some people had reached out to him, saying similar incidents had occurred in other states in Nigeria, but nobody was jailed. He said if the entire Nigeria decided not to follow the rule of law, Oyo State would not be like that.
Makinde prayed that such an incident would not happen again in Oyo State. He said no matter how famous the person was, justice would be served.
The governor added that he had nothing against bail if the court wanted to grant them bail.
