Ibadan Stampede: Olori Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat Accused of Murder
In the aftermath of the devastating stampede, Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi and broadcaster Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat have been formally charged with murder.
The charges, which also implicate Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde and others still on the run, are connected to the deadly incident that occurred on December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where approximately 35 lives were lost.
Court documents suggest the accused individuals conspired to commit a criminal act described as “acceleration of death,” in violation of Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria, 2000.
Olori Naomi’s sister, Simi Silekunola, expressed her shock and demanded clarification over the legal grounds for the charges via an Instagram post.
“I need lawyers to educate me on why my sister was charged for murder. Okay, she has been brought before the law, why is she being charged for murder???? This is the question I have been asking since yesterday,” Simi lamented in her post.
She further alleged that the charges were influenced by external forces, stating, “Since the day she was detained, the answer has been ‘order from above.’ Who is the order from above? If you have a personal vendetta with my sister, come out in the open; don’t go through corners.”
This heart-wrenching tragedy, which resulted in numerous deaths, has ignited a public outcry for justice and transparency. The accused are set to stand trial, and the case has sparked significant debate surrounding public safety, event oversight, and the possible misuse of legal powers.
