The Oyo State government on Tuesday, has opposed bail applications filed by former Ooni of Ife queen Naomi Shilekunola, Hamzat Oriyomi, and a school principal, Fasasi Abdullahi.
The trio were remanded in prison in December following the tragic death of 35 children during a Christmas funfair they organized in Ibadan.
The defense argued that their detention is unconstitutional, citing procedural irregularities and challenging the court’s jurisdiction. They also highlighted the “holding charge” used for their detention as not recognized by law.
“Anybody can be detained, but it must be in accordance with the law, irrespective of the offenscs committed,” Silekunola’s lawyer, Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), stated.
“The applicants are being held in detention pursuant to a holding charge which is not known in the criminal administration of justice. Oyo State Government has acted illegally with the continuing detention of the suspects in the prison custody. All the evidences presented by the defense counsel to buttress their case are zero.”
The Oyo State Attorney General countered these claims, stating that the applicants have not shown sufficient grounds for release and that the allegations of persecution are unfounded.
The defense also raised concerns about the deteriorating health of the school principal.
“The law makes provision for exceptional circumstances, which include ill health, upon which the suspects can be released on bail. The applicant is battling with his health and needs to be taken care of medically.”
The court adjourned the ruling on the bail applications until January 13th.
