The tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, has resulted in murder charges against Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi and broadcaster Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat.
The incident, which claimed approximately 35 lives, has also implicated Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde and other unnamed individuals who remain at large. The accused are facing allegations of conspiracy to commit a felony termed “acceleration of death,” a violation of Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, according to the court documents presented.
The charges have sparked widespread reactions, particularly from the family of Olori Naomi. Her sister, Simi Silekunola, took to Instagram to express her discontent and confusion regarding the legal basis of the accusations against her sister. In her post, she stated, “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 further alleged that external forces might be influencing the charges against Olori Naomi. She stated in her post, “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.” Her remarks have drawn significant attention, raising concerns about potential misuse of power and hidden motives behind the legal proceedings.
The stampede and subsequent fatalities have ignited a broader conversation about public safety, event management, and the accountability of those responsible for such tragic occurrences. While the legal process unfolds, the public continues to seek transparency and justice for the victims of the incident. The accused individuals, including Olori Naomi and Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, are expected to face trial in the coming weeks, and the case has become a focal point of national discourse.
The situation remains tense as families of the victims, as well as supporters of the accused, await further developments in the judicial proceedings. Many are also calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
