A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the immediate sealing of Crown Emirate Hotel in Ikere-Ekiti, where three persons lost their lives during a stampede at a convocation party.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, also directed that the Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) take over the case for further legal proceedings.
The ruling followed the arraignment of 12 suspects by the police in connection with the incident. Police prosecutor, Martins Akala, filed a motion ex parte seeking the remand of the suspects in correctional custody for 30 days to allow for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, criminal negligence, and manslaughter, supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit.
During the proceedings, Barrister Kunle Adeyemo, Deputy Director and Legal Officer for Ekiti State, informed the court that he had the authority of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), to take over the prosecution of the case.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until May 19, 2026, for further hearing.
