An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Tuesday remanded three persons, including a former queen and a broadcaster, in connection with Wednesday’s funfair tragedy which claimed 35 lives.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendants’ plea, due to lack of jurisdiction, ordered their remand at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan.
The trio, 31-year-old queen Naomi Ogunwusi, 51-year-old popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hazmat and 56-year-old school principal Fasasi Abdullahi – are facing a four-count charge.
Ogunkanmi, while ruling on the case, said she was remanding the defendants pending the issuance of legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
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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.
He stated that the defendants allegedly invited some children for a funfair programme but failed to provide a conducive atmosphere with adequate security and medical facilities.
“The eventual stampede at the venue allegedly accelerated the death of eight-year-old Sofiat Musiliu, a female, and 34 others between the ages of five months to 13 years,” the prosecutor said.
Opaleye alleged that the defendants conspired to commit the offences on Wednesday between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. at Islamic High School, Bashorun in Ibadan.
The prosecutor added that 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