A high court in Ibadan, Oyo state capital has denied the bail applications of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The court’s decision comes amidst widespread outrage and calls for justice following the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children at the Islamic High School in December 2024.
According to sources close to the court, the Attorney General pleaded with the court to grant the state more time to investigate the matter, leading to the denial of bail for Naomi and Fasasi.
“The court did not grant the bail application of Naomi and the school principal because the Attorney General pleaded that the state should be given more time to investigate,” SaharaReporters quoted a source in court as saying.
The court has adjourned Naomi’s case until next week, while the bail application of Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, is still pending.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the stampede occurred during a children’s festive party organized by Naomi in December 2024.
Reacting, Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial while also noting that he is not opposed to the suspects being granted bail.
