Ibadan Stampede: Release Ooni’s Ex – MURIC

An Islamic human rights group has called on the Nigerian police to either release those arrested in connection with a palliative distribution stampede in Ibadan or arrest the organizers of similar events in Abuja and Anambra.

In a statement on Tuesday, the group’s leader, Professor Ishaq Akintola, criticized the inconsistent handling of three separate incidents that led to tragic stampedes, claiming the lives of about 50 people, including children. He demanded the immediate release of the individuals detained in Ibadan, calling the arrests unjust.

The statement explained: “Three tragic events occurred recently during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Oyo State; Abuja; and Okija, Anambra State, all resulting in deadly stampedes. However, only the organizers of the Ibadan event were arrested, while those in Abuja and Okija were reportedly not detained. This is unacceptable.”

The group also defended Queen Naomi Silekunola, one of those detained in Ibadan, highlighting her reputation for philanthropy. “No reasonable person would assume she intended harm. Likewise, the arrest of the Islamic High School principal was unnecessary since the venue was approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education, not the principal acting alone,” the statement added.

MURIC further pointed out that despite a similar tragedy in Anambra, where the Obi Jackson Foundation distributed palliatives, its leader was not detained. Similarly, there were no reports of arrests following a stampede during a palliative distribution at a church in Abuja.

“The police have left many questions unanswered. A stampede is a stampede, regardless of location. All organizers should be treated equally. The heavy-handed approach in Ibadan while Abuja and Okija only promised investigations is unfair,” the statement emphasized.

MURIC urged the Oyo State Police Command to release those detained and recommended that the state government establish a panel to investigate the tragedy that arose following the stampede at the distribution of palliatives. It also expressed condolences to the affected families, praying for their strength during this difficult time.

Finally, the group advised future organizers of large events to involve security agencies to ensure crowd control and prevent such incidents.

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