The mother of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former Queen of Ooni of Ife, has made a tearful plea to Nigerians for intervention after her daughter was remanded in Agodi prison over last week’s stampede in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 minors.
In a video obtained by PLATFORM TIMES, the distraught mother, visibly shaken, called on the public to come to her daughter’s aid, asserting her innocence.
“Help me, have mercy on me. Don’t let them destroy my life. My daughter has been organizing this programme for over 10 years to help children. Please, the world, help free Naomi. She is very innocent,” she cried.
Prophetess Naomi, alongside Agidigbo FM owner Oriyomi Hamzat and the principal of Islamic School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, faces charges of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligence causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities during the ill-fated event.
The accused were arraigned before Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who ordered their remand in prison custody until January 13, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Oyo State Ministry of Justice.
Despite efforts by their counsels to secure police custody instead of prison remand, the court maintained its stance.
Counsel for Oriyomi Hamzat, Mr. Ridwan Adekunle, argued that an earlier agreement with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) Legal was not honored, while Mr. Olajide, representing the principal, contested the arraignment entirely.
The case, marked C/2024, was filed by the Commissioner of Police, with seven suspects initially arrested. Five were later released, leaving Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi in custody.
The tragedy has left an indelible scar on the accused, with reports that both Oriyomi Hamzat and Prophetess Naomi required hospitalization after the incident.
While Hamzat described the experience as shocking, Naomi reportedly collapsed in police custody.
Governor Seyi Makinde has vowed a thorough investigation into the stampede, promising justice for the victims.
“All those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” the governor stated.
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