The Oyo State Government has dropped the criminal charges against Olori Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife and Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat over the tragic stampede incident of December 2024 in which 35 children lost their lives.
Charges against Mr Abdulahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Orita Basorun , Ibadan, were also dropped.
The state Attorney – General, Mr Abiodun Aikomo, announced the withdrawal of the charges against the three defendants when the case up for hearing on Thursday.
Aikomo later speak with journalists after the court session.
He said : “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many.
“And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course.
“So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.
“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy.
“They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties.
“And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them.
“It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.”
The state high court presided over by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, had earlier admitted the defendants on bail.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
