The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn criminal charges against Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The trio had been facing legal proceedings following the tragic December 2024 stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a festive event.

During Thursday’s court session, the atmosphere shifted as the defendants, who had been on bail, exchanged relieved smiles and pleasantries after the ruling. Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, announced the case’s dismissal, stating that while accountability was necessary, justice should not be pursued as a means of persecution. “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the loss of many lives,” Aikomo said in a Facebook live broadcast by SaharaReporters. “When deaths occur under unnatural circumstances, the law must take its course. However, we considered the empathy and compassion shown by the accused and decided it was in the interest of justice to discontinue the case.” Prior to this decision, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to the three defendants.

Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin had set bail conditions at ₦10 million each, requiring two sureties, the surrender of their passports, and a restriction from media engagements.

The withdrawal of charges has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the government’s stance on fairness, while others continue to seek deeper accountability for the devastating loss of young lives.