Prophetess Silekunola, Hamzat regain freedom after meeting bail conditions

A former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, regained their freedom on Tuesday after meeting the bail conditions set by the court.

Recall that the duo, alongside Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, had been remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre following their alleged involvement in the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a December 2024 funfair in Ibadan.

In a moment that brought tears of joy and relief to many, Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, returned home to a hero’s welcome in Ibadan on Tuesday, after being granted bail in connection with the tragic December 18, 2024, stampede.

Hamzat, along with Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, was freed after meeting bail conditions set by Justice K.B. Olawoyin.

The stampede, which occurred during a children’s funfair, tragically claimed the lives of 35 children, including an 8-year-old girl named Musiliu Sofiat.

The three individuals had been detained at Agodi Correctional Centre following their involvement in the disaster.

Upon his release, Hamzat was visibly emotional as he stepped out of the correctional facility, expressing gratitude to his supporters.

“Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much,” he said.

Thousands of fans and well-wishers gathered at Agidigbo FM’s station along Ojoo expressway, where they celebrated his return with loud cheers and chants.

Hamzat and his co-defendants were granted bail on Monday, with each of them required to pay N10 million and provide two sureties of equal value.

The defendants are facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.

The Oyo State Government’s legal team claims that the trio failed to provide adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during the funfair, leading to the tragic deaths.

Court documents reveal that the alleged negligence by Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi contributed directly to the fatal stampede.

As the prosecution argues, their actions violated Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. In response, Hamzat and his co-accused have denied all charges.

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