The founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has regained his freedom from Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, after meeting his bail conditions. Hamzat, alongside his co-defendants—former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi—had been remanded over their alleged involvement in a stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in December 2024.
Justice K.B. Olawoyin granted the suspects bail on Monday with a bond of ₦10 million each and two sureties in like sum.
On Tuesday, Hamzat was welcomed by a large crowd at his broadcasting station, where he was moved to tears while addressing his supporters. He said, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”
The Oyo State Government had filed an 18-count criminal charge against Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi, accusing them of conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related offences. The prosecution alleged that the trio failed to provide adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during the funfair event at the Islamic High School, which resulted in the fatal stampede.
Court documents revealed that 14 victims were specifically identified, with one named Musiliu Sofiat, an 8-year-old, among the deceased. The charges were filed under Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The case, marked I/05C/2025, has drawn significant public attention, as the accused individuals await further legal proceedings.
