The magistrate court sitting in Ibadan have adjourned the case which includes Veteran Ibadan-based broadcaster and the CEO of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, former wife of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola and the principal of islamic High School, Ibadan Abdulhabib Fasasi till March, 2025.
The trio face four charges related to manslaughter, murder, conspiracy and negligence which connects with the death of over 35 children during a funfair held in Ibadan, Oyo State on December 18, 2024.
Previously arraigned on a holden charge—a temporary legal mechanism not recognised under Nigerian law—they were remanded in custody but later released on bail following a High Court ruling.
The case, which was scheduled for mention on Monday, was adjourned until March 24, 2025, by the Chief Magistrate.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Hamzat’s counsel, Dapo Akinosi, provided an update on the legal proceedings: “The matter today was actually slated for mention because when they were arraigned initially, it was on a holden charge, which is not recognised by our law. They were remanded in prison as a result of that charge.
“We subsequently applied to the High Court, where bail was granted to the defendants. Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper information has been filed against them. However, they are yet to be served with the information.
“Today, we came to court so that the charge here could be withdrawn. Since their plea has not yet been taken at the High Court, we requested a longer adjournment to allow proper proceedings, including plea-taking at the High Court, before the case can be concluded at the Magistrate Court.”
