A Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the immediate sealing of Crown Emirate Hotel in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where three persons lost their lives during a stampede at a convocation party.
The court also granted a request by the Attorney General of the state to allow the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to take over the case. Chief Magistrate Mr. Abayomi Adeosun issued the order after 12 suspects were arraigned by the police in connection with the Ikere-Ekiti stampede.
The police prosecutor, Mr. Martins Akala, arraigned the suspects via a motion ex parte, requesting that they be remanded in correctional custody for 30 days pending further investigation. The suspects face charges of conspiracy, criminal negligence, and manslaughter, supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit.
Barrister Kunle Adeyemo, Deputy Director of Legal Services for Ekiti State, informed the court that he had the authority of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN, to take over the matter.
During the hearing, defense lawyers including Barrister Kike Owolabi, Gbenga Ariyibi, Busuyi Ayorinde, and A. T. Durodola argued that there was no reasonable cause to remand their clients, stating that their right to liberty would be violated. They also requested the dismissal of the application, claiming their clients were not at the scene of the incident.
The Chief Magistrate ruled that all suspects be remanded in correctional custody pending legal advice from the DPP and adjourned the case until May 19, 2026.
