Tears flowed freely as Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, was released from Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The broadcaster, along with other co-accused individuals, including the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, and Islamic High School Principal, Abdulahi Fasasi, faced remand following the tragic stampede in December 2024 that claimed the lives of 35 children.
Justice K. B. Olawoyin granted bail to the defendants on Monday, setting the bond at ₦10 million each, accompanied by two sureties of equivalent sum. Upon fulfilling the bail conditions, Hamzat emerged from detention to a heartfelt reception at his broadcasting station. Overwhelmed by the crowd’s support, he managed only a few words: “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
The charges brought by the Oyo State Government include 18 criminal counts, such as conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. The allegations center on the failure to provide adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during a funfair at Islamic High School, which culminated in the fatal stampede.
As the legal battle continues, the community remains deeply invested in the case, striving for accountability while mourning the devastating loss of young lives.
