A judge at the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan criticized the detention of a former queen and her co-defendants in prison, stating that holding charges have no place in Nigerian law. The defendants are facing charges related to a Christmas event that resulted in a tragic stampede causing the death of 35 children.
The judge granted bail to the defendants and emphasized that the stampede was not intentional. He imposed bail conditions, including a N10m bond and surrendering passports. The defendants were also prohibited from giving press interviews until the trial concludes.
The defendants’ lawyer expressed optimism that his client would be released soon. The state Directorate of Public Prosecutions confirmed establishing a case against the defendants for prosecution at the Magistrates’ Court in Iyaganku.
The prosecuting counsel informed the court about the case progress, but the defendants were absent as they were appearing in the high court simultaneously. The case was adjourned until January 27.