Oyo State govt. drops charges against Prophetess Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat

The Oyo state government has officially withdrawn all criminal charges against Prophetess Naomi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, alongside broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and Fasasi Abdullahi Fasasi.

The charges were linked to the fatal stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024, which resulted in the deaths of over 32 children.

The Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Oyo, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development on Wednesday while addressing journalists. He stated that the Ibadan High Court struck out the case after the state withdrew its charges.

Speaking after the court session, Aikomo explained that the government’s decision was based on the suspects’ display of empathy and compassion. Additionally, Abdulwaheed Olajide, counsel to Fasasi, disclosed that the victims’ families and the defendants had reached an out-of-court settlement.

It is worth noting that the ex-Queen alongside Hazmat were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.