Justice K. B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, has set Tuesday, January 13, 2025, to rule on the bail application filed by Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi.
The three suspects are currently being held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi.
Olori Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, is being represented by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN). Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of the Ibadan-based radio station Agidigbo FM, is represented by Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), while Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, has Waheed Olajide as his counsel.
The bail hearing, conducted at Court 8 of the Oyo State High Court on Tuesday, saw the suspects’ legal representatives arguing for their release. Justice Olawoyin, after listening to submissions from both sides, adjourned the case for a ruling.
During the proceedings, the state, led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications, presenting counterarguments to keep the suspects in custody. Aikomo was joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Justice.
In a five-hour session, defense counsels argued that there was insufficient evidence to justify continued detention. Each counsel appealed to the court to grant their clients freedom pending further legal proceedings.
Justice Olawoyin will announce his decision on the matter on January 13, a day that could determine the fate of the accused in this high-profile case.