Dec. 24, 2024

An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Tuesday remanded Naomi Ogunwusi, 31, Oriyomi Hazmat, 51, and Fasasi Abdullahi, 56, in connection with Wednesday’s Ibadan funfair tragedy.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendants’ plea, due to lack of jurisdiction, ordered their remand at Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.

Ogunkanmi said she was remanding the defendants pending the issuance of legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter until Jan. 13, for mention.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, had told the court that the defendants were facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and negligent acts causing harm.

According to the prosecutor, the defendants allegedly invited some children for a funfair programme but failed to provide a conducive atmosphere with adequate security and medical facilities.

He said the eventual stampede at the venue allegedly accelerated the death of 8-year-old Sofiat Musiliu, ‘F’ and 34 others between the ages of 5 months to 13 years.

Opalaye alleged the defendants conspired to commit the offences on Wednesday, between 5.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The prosecutor alleged the offences were contrary to Sections 324, 311, 517 and 344 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

The first, second and third defendants were respectively represented by J. A. Lukman; Ridwan Adekunle, and Waheed Olajide. (NAN)