Jubilation erupted across Oyo State as the government officially withdrew criminal charges against Prophetess Naomi, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, alongside Oriyomi Hamzat and Fasasi Abdullahi Fasasi. The trio had faced serious allegations stemming from a tragic December 2024 stampede at Islamic High School Bashorun that claimed over 32 young lives.
The Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Oyo State, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development while addressing journalists after Wednesday’s court ruling. The Ibadan High Court struck out the case following the government’s formal withdrawal of charges.
Speaking after the court session, Aikomo explained the rationale behind the state’s decision: “The case was withdrawn because the suspects demonstrated genuine empathy and compassion toward the victims’ families.” This sentiment was echoed by Abdulwaheed Olajide, counsel to Fasasi, who revealed that the families of the victims and the defendants had reached an amicable agreement to settle the matter outside the courtroom.
The case had drawn significant public attention since December when what began as a charitable initiative turned tragic. Prophetess Naomi, mother of the crown prince, alongside media personality Oriyomi Hamzat, had organized a charity event aimed at feeding underprivileged children. The well-intentioned gathering, however, descended into chaos when a stampede occurred, resulting in the deaths of over 32 children.
Following the incident, authorities arrested Prophetess Naomi and Hamzat, subsequently arraigning them on four counts: conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. By January, the charges had expanded significantly, with the Oyo State Government filing 18 counts against the trio, including Fasasi.
The expanded charges encompassed serious allegations such as conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. According to the charge sheet, they had failed to implement necessary safety measures including adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair event at Islamic High School.
While the case proceeded through the judicial system, the accused were granted bail by an Oyo State High Court under five stringent conditions. Each defendant was required to post N10 million bail with two sureties who needed to submit landed property documents within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, they were ordered to surrender their international passports to the court and prohibited from granting any interviews while the case remained pending.
The withdrawal of charges marks a significant turning point in what had become a highly publicized legal battle. For Prophetess Naomi, who once held the revered position as the Ooni of Ife’s wife before their separation, the development represents a chance to rebuild her public image after the devastating incident.
Community leaders have expressed mixed reactions to the case’s resolution. While many celebrate the reconciliation between the defendants and victims’ families, others emphasize that the tragedy highlights critical lessons about public event management and safety protocols.
This case should serve as a sobering reminder about the importance of proper planning when organizing large public gatherings, especially those involving vulnerable populations like children,” noted a prominent community advocate who requested anonymity. While we welcome the peaceful resolution, we must ensure that such preventable tragedies never recur.
The charity event that led to the tragedy was reportedly overwhelmed by an unexpectedly large turnout, creating conditions that ultimately proved catastrophic. Eyewitnesses had described scenes of panic as the crowd surged forward during food distribution, leading to the deadly stampede.
For the families who lost children in the incident, the legal proceedings represented just one aspect of their struggle to find closure. Many had expressed hope that the case would establish accountability while also prompting reforms in how such public events are managed and secured.
Religious and community leaders across Oyo State have called for continued support for the affected families, noting that while the legal chapter may be closing, the journey toward healing remains ongoing. Several community-based organizations have established support networks for bereaved families, offering counseling services and other forms of assistance.
The case has prompted broader discussions about philanthropic activities and their implementation in Nigeria. Safety experts have advocated for stronger regulatory frameworks to govern charity events, particularly those attracting large crowds or targeting vulnerable populations.
As Prophetess Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Fasasi Abdullahi Fasasi now look to put this chapter behind them, many observers note that their future public endeavors will likely face heightened scrutiny. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale about how charitable intentions, when not accompanied by adequate safety planning, can lead to devastating consequences.
The withdrawal of charges does not diminish the profound impact of the tragedy on the community, but rather represents an acknowledgment that reconciliation between the parties involved offers a path forward focused on healing rather than punishment. For a community still mourning the loss of so many young lives, the resolution provides an opportunity to channel energies toward prevention and support rather than protracted legal proceedings.
