RismadarVoice Reporters, April 23, 2026
A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the immediate sealing of Crown Emirate Hotel in Ikere-Ekiti following the death of three students during a night party.
The tragic incident occurred after the second convocation ceremony of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), where students had gathered at the hotel for a celebration.
According to police reports, the deaths were caused by a stampede that broke out after a fight reportedly erupted among attendees at the event.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun directed that the hotel be sealed pending the outcome of investigations. The court also ordered 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. The suspects are facing charges of conspiracy, criminal negligence, and manslaughter.
Police prosecutor Martins Akala had filed an ex parte motion seeking the remand of the suspects in correctional custody for 30 days to enable the police conclude investigations. The application was supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit outlining the circumstances of the case.
During the proceedings, Kunle Adeyemo, Deputy Director and Legal Officer for Ekiti State, informed the court that he had the directive of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, to assume control of the prosecution.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 19, 2026, for further hearing as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
