JUST-IN: Police Arrest Ooni’s Ex-wife Naomi, Confirm Death Of 35 Minors In Ibadan Stampede

Not fewer than 35 minors have been confirmed killed in the Wednesday, December 18, 2024, children’s funfair stampede that occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the arrest of organisers of the children’s funfair.

The command’s spokesperson, Osifeso Adewale, disclosed in a statement that Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the main sponsor of the event and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has also been taken into custody.

“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 (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.”

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The statement listed those arrested to include 31-year-old Prophetess Silekunola, the main event sponsor of the event; Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs, Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan; Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf,’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.

“So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions,” Osifeso said.

In furtherance of the above, the police image maker said the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.

The statement further urged residents around the axis not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.

The command said it sympathised with all the families of those affected by the tragedy and assured that justice would be served accordingly.