Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has struck out the charges against the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola, ibadan based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and Principal, Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan. Abdullahi Fasasi standing trial for stampede that claimed lives of 35 minors during last year Christmas Children funfair in ibadan
The court also ordered the release of the three defendants’ international passports.
In his ruling, Justice Akintola noted that the court decided to strike out the case following amicable compensation settlement between the defendants and the families of the victims
He advised the defendants to be guided and avoid similar issues in future.
Speaking after the ruling, Counsel to the first defendant, Olori Silekunola Ogunwusi, Mr Musibau Adetunbi, S. A. N thanked all the parties involved for their compassion and understanding.
Mr Adetunbi noted that, though no amount of compensation would be enough for the loss of life of any loved ones, his client had learnt a lesson from the unfortunate incident.
Also, counsel to the second defendant, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, Mr. Ridwan Adeleke said some of the affected families had appealed to the state government to discontinue the case, pleading for the defendants innocence.
Oyo state, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Aikomo said, the unfortunate incident that led to the death of the minors prompted the state to prosecute the case until the families of the victims showed compassion on the defendants.
One of the defendants, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, appreciated the judge, the counsel, and the families of the victims for their roles in ending the travail.
