An Iyaganku Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan has adjourned the case involving Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station; and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The case is now scheduled for mention on March 24, 2025.
The trio, who were previously remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, were granted bail two weeks ago by an Oyo State High Court. They had initially been detained under a holden charge, a legal procedure not recognized under Nigerian law.
The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) issued legal advice on January 10, 2025, recommending that the defendants be charged with:
Conspiracy to commit a felony (Murder) – punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Manslaughter – punishable under Section 325.
Conspiracy to commit an offence – punishable under Section 517.
Criminal negligence – punishable under Section 344.
The Oyo State Government has since filed an 18-count charge at the State High Court (Charge No: I/05C/2025), covering murder, manslaughter, conspiracy, and criminal negligence. However, the defendants have not yet been served with the formal charges.
At the hearing, the defense team—W. A. Olajide, Dapo Akinosi, and H. A. Adeleke—argued for more time, stating that their clients have not been formally charged at the High Court. They urged the Chief Magistrate Court to delay further proceedings until the High Court takes their plea.
Akinosi, representing Oriyomi Hamzat, explained:
“Since they have not been properly arraigned in the High Court, we have requested a longer date to allow the legal process to take its due course before withdrawing the charge at the Magistrate Court.”
However, Police Prosecutor Inspector Sikiru Opaleye opposed the delay, stating that the defendants were already charged with four offenses, including conspiracy, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.
With the case adjourned to March 24, 2025, legal experts believe that the High Court will now determine the next course of action.
