The Oyo State government, on Tuesday, opposed bail applications filed by Naomi Shilekunola, former queen of the Ooni of Ife; CEO of Agidigbo radio station, Hamzat Oriyomi; Islamic High School principal, Fasasi Abdullahi, who are currently in detention over their involvement in a deadly stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
The court, on December 24, had ordered the trio’s remand at the Nigerian Correctional Services facility in Agodi where they spent their Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.
During a hearing at the High Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Tuesday, the defense counsels urged the court to grant bail, but Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly opposed the request.
Aikomo insisted that the applicants had not provided sufficient grounds for their release.
“The bail request of the applicants must not be granted by the court,” Aikomo argued.
He further dismissed claims of persecution by the state government, calling them unfounded.
However, the defense counsels argued that the detention of their clients was unconstitutional, citing procedural errors and questioning the court’s jurisdiction.
They also raised concerns about the “holding charge” used to remand the trio, claiming it was not recognized under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Waheed Olajide, representing the school principal, contended that the detention was unjust. “No formal charge has been preferred against the applicant before any court of competent jurisdiction,” Olajide argued, emphasizing Abdullahi’s deteriorating health and his need for medical attention.
Silekunola’s counsel, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), also condemned the continued detention, describing it as unconstitutional.
“Anyone can be detained, but it must be in accordance with the law, regardless of the offence committed,” he stated.
“The applicants are being held under a holding charge, which is not recognized in the criminal administration of justice.”
Hazmat Oriyomi’s lawyer, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), also argued that the detention violated constitutional rights.
“The holding charge used to detain the suspects is not known in the criminal administration of justice,” he asserted.
After hearing from both sides, Justice K.B. Olawoyin adjourned the ruling on the bail applications until Monday, January 13, 2025.
