The Ibadan High Court recently dismissed the case against Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM.
Additionally, the ruling cleared Silekunola, the Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, and Abdullahi, principal of Islamic High School.
Judges emphasized insufficient evidence, actively rejecting the charges.
Consequently, all defendants were formally acquitted, concluding the protracted legal dispute decisively.
Initially, the trio faced charges linked to a fatal December stampede at an Ibadan funfair, which killed over 30 people, predominantly children.
Following deliberations, the attorney-general withdrew the case, citing an out-of-court settlement between defendants and victims’ families.
Consequently, the court absolved all three of criminal liability.
Meanwhile, the December tragedy sparked public outrage, prompting the state government to file 18 criminal counts in January.
Charges ranged from conspiracy to manslaughter and criminal negligence.
Authorities initially remanded the defendants at Agodi Correctional Facility but granted bail on January 14, requiring N10 million and two sureties each.
After the ruling, state representative Aikomo clarified the withdrawal rationale.
He acknowledged the necessity of legal action but highlighted defendants’ empathy toward grieving families.
“The incident caused unnatural deaths, mandating legal intervention,” he stated.
“However, the defendants displayed genuine remorse, actively engaging families to address their pain.”
Aikomo stressed that prosecution aims for justice, not persecution.
“In prioritizing humanity, we discontinued charges. The court struck out the case; they are free,” he concluded.
Defense counsel Abdulwaheed Olajide confirmed the settlement, noting both parties weighed prolonged litigation’s societal impact.
“Discussions involved victims’ families, who recognized the accident’s unforeseeable nature,” he explained.
Additionally, Olajide emphasized defendants’ compassionate pledges to support bereaved families, fostering mutual understanding.
“Empathy bridged tensions, ensuring resolution without inflaming societal discord,” he said.
He warned that prolonged conflict could deter public goodwill, praising the outcome for preserving peace.
The stampede remains a grim reminder of safety gaps at crowded events. Nonetheless, both sides now seek healing.
Olajide metaphorically summarized: “We fetched river water to quench everyone’s thirst.”
Ultimately, the case underscores dialogue and empathy’s role in resolving complex legal and social crises.
By balancing accountability with compassion, stakeholders averted prolonged strife, fostering collective closure.
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