Ibadan stampede: Oriyomi Hamzat released from prison after meeting bail terms
By Jeffrey Agbo
The owner of Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, Oriyomi Hamzat, has been released from the Agodi Correctional Centre after meeting the ₦10 million bail conditions set by the court.
Hamzat, along with his co-accused—former Ooni of Ife’s queen, Naomi Silekunola, and Islamic High School principal, Abdulahi Fasasi—regained freedom following their alleged involvement in the December 2024 Ibadan stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children.
Justice K. B. Olawoyin had granted the suspects bail on Monday, requiring two sureties in like sums for each of them.
After his release on Tuesday, Hamzat was welcomed by a large crowd at Agidigbo FM, where he expressed his gratitude, stating, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
Oyo State Government has since filed an 18-count criminal charge against Hamzat, Silekunola and Fasasi, accusing them of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter and criminal negligence. The prosecution alleges that the trio failed to provide adequate security, crowd control measures and medical facilities during a funfair event at the Islamic High School which led to the fatal stampede.
Court documents reveal that the negligence resulted in the deaths of 35 children, including Musiliu Sofiat, aged eight.
The charges, filed on January 10, 2025, are based on Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.