The Oyo State High Court has set Monday, January 13, 2025, to deliver its ruling on bail applications filed by Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Fasasi Abdulahi.
Olori Naomi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdulahi, Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, are currently being held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, pending the court’s decision.
During Tuesday’s hearing at Court 8, Ring Road, Ibadan, Justice Olawoyin listened to extensive submissions from the counsels representing the accused: Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) for Olori Naomi, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN) for Hamzat, and Waheed Olajide for Abdulahi. The proceedings, which lasted over five hours, also featured counter-arguments from the Oyo State legal team, led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo.
The defense argued that insufficient evidence existed to justify continued detention, while the prosecution maintained that the suspects should remain in custody pending trial.
Governor Seyi Makinde weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of holding all parties accountable in the case but expressing no opposition to bail being granted. He noted that the case must proceed irrespective of the status of those involved, addressing public concerns about perceived inconsistencies in how similar incidents have been handled in other states.
Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case for ruling, setting the stage for the next phase of the high-profile legal battle.
