The mother of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, has called on Nigerians for help after her daughter was remanded in Agodi Prison over a stampede that resulted in the death of 35 minors last Wednesday.
In an emotional video, the distraught mother tearfully pleaded for her daughter’s release, insisting on her innocence. She said, “Please help me, have mercy on me, don’t let them destroy my life. My daughter has been running this program for over 10 years to help children. Please, world, help free Naomi. She is very innocent.”
Prophetess Naomi, alongside Agidigbo FM owner Mr. Hamzat Oriyomi and the Principal of Islamic School, Bashorun, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, was arraigned on a four-count charge, including conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm, acceleration of death, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
The court ordered that the accused remain in prison custody until January 13, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Efforts by their legal counsel to secure their release into police custody were unsuccessful, as Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi upheld the remand order.
Counsel to Mr. Hamzat, Ridwan Adekunle, argued that there had been an agreement with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) Legal to keep his client in police custody, while Mr. Olajide, counsel for the school principal, urged the court not to arraign his client but instead to remand them in police custody.
The case, marked C/2024, was filed by the Commissioner of Police. While seven suspects were initially arrested, five were later released.
Reports indicate that both Prophetess Naomi and Mr. Oriyomi were hospitalized following the incident. Mr. Oriyomi stated that he was in shock, while Naomi reportedly collapsed during her time in police custody.
Governor Seyi Makinde has promised a thorough investigation, assuring that anyone found responsible for the tragedy will face the full force of the law.
