The Oyo State Government has dropped criminal charges against three people linked to the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The accused were Ooni’s ex-wife, Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, and the school principal, Abdullahi Fasasi.

The charges were initially filed after a stampede during a children’s festive party in December 2024 led to the deaths of at least 35 children. However, on Thursday, March 20, the government decided to discontinue the case, leading to their release.

A video shared online showed the three accused smiling and exchanging greetings after their freedom was announced. The Attorney General of Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that while the incident was tragic, the government prioritized fairness over unnecessary prosecution.

“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the loss of many lives,” Aikomo said in a Facebook live broadcast. “When deaths occur in unnatural circumstances, the law must take action. However, after considering the empathy and compassion shown by the accused, we decided that discontinuing the case was in the best interest of justice.”

Before this decision, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted the defendants bail. The court required each of them to provide a ₦10 million bail bond, two sureties, and surrender their passports. They were also ordered to stay away from media engagements.

The case sparked public outrage, with victims’ families demanding accountability. Governor Seyi Makinde had initially insisted that those responsible must face trial but later expressed openness to legal resolutions.