The mother of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, has pleaded for help following her daughter’s remand at Agodi Prison in connection with a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors last Wednesday.
In a tearful video appeal, Prophetess Naomi’s distraught mother called on Nigerians to intervene, insisting her daughter is innocent of the charges leveled against her.
“Help me, have mercy on me. Don’t let them destroy my life. My daughter has been organizing this program for over 10 years to help children. Please, the world, help free Naomi. She is very innocent,” she said in anguish.
Prophetess Naomi, along with Mr. Hamzat Oriyomi, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, Principal of Islamic School, Bashorun, were arraigned on a four-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligence causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
The court ordered their remand in prison custody until January 13, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Despite attempts by the defense to keep the accused in police custody instead of prison, Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi ruled for their remand.
Counsel for Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat, Mr. Ridwan Adekunle, argued that an agreement with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) Legal had assured his client would remain in police custody. Similarly, the counsel for Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, Mr. Olajide, contended that the arraignment was improper and urged the court to detain his client in police custody.
The case, filed under C/2024, was instituted by the Commissioner of Police. While seven suspects were initially arrested, five were subsequently released.
Both Prophetess Naomi and Mr. Oriyomi had reportedly been hospitalized following the tragic incident.
