Police arrests Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, others over death of 35 children
The Oyo State Police Command has reportedly arrested and has detailed ex-Queen of Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, and seven others in connection with a stampede that occurred during a carnival in Ibadan, which resulted to deaths, on Wednesday.
The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured, took place on Wednesday December 18, 2024 at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, the state capital.
The event was organised by Wings Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on supporting women and girls, and was intended to host 5,000 attendees.
Osifeso Adewale, spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that eight individuals, including the main event sponsor, Silekunola, and Fasasi Abdulahi, principal of the Islamic High School, have been arrested.
“Sequel to the stampede incident recorded on Wednesday, 18/12/2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, venue of the family event organised by Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the state that eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements,” the statement read.
The arrested individuals include Naomi Silekunola, 31, Fasasi Abdulahi, 56 (school principal), Genesis Christopher, 24, Tanimowo Moruf, 52, Anisolaja Olabode, 42, Idowu Ibrahim, 35, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, where a Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the investigation.
Adewale assured residents that increased patrols and police presence around the affected area are in place to prevent hoodlums from exploiting the tragedy.
He further expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised that justice would be served.
