Simi Oluwaseyi, the sister of Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, has alleged that her sister was treated unfairly and like a terrorist during her recent arraignment in court.
The allegation comes in the wake of a plea by their mother, Fumilayo Oluwaseyi, who, in a video shared online, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
In a detailed social media post, Simi recounted Naomi’s ordeal, revealing that the embattled prophetess was charged with murder following a tragic incident at a children’s funfair she organized.
“All my sister did was try to put smiles on the faces of children this Christmas, which she had been doing for years. Unfortunately, this year didn’t play out the way we planned it. Innocent children lost their lives. I am deeply sorry about this sad occurrence. My heart bleeds for them all,” Simi wrote.
She further alleged that Naomi was held in detention for more than six days, during which she collapsed on the third day of interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and had to be rushed to a hospital.
“She was arraigned at a magistrate court, and the judgment was for her to be remanded. One of the counts against her was murder,” Simi disclosed. “The children’s funfair was supposed to start at 10 a.m., but people got there as early as 4 a.m. The sad incident occurred around 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.”
According to Simi, Naomi was denied access to her family during her detention. “When she was detained, she had no access to us. My mummy had to beg every day before she was allowed entry. She was not allowed to use her phone. I had to beg her son to be allowed to see her at the police hospital,” she lamented.
Simi also criticized the manner in which Naomi was handled during her court appearance, describing it as excessive. “At the court, she was being treated like a terrorist; more than 40 policemen were on ground. Only my mother and brother were allowed to sit in court.”
She further expressed confusion over the legal proceedings, stating, “She wasn’t supposed to appear before a magistrate court but a High Court. Everyone I have contacted keeps telling me it is a bailable offense. But somehow, the law is saying otherwise.”
The family has called for justice and clarity on the legal processes surrounding the case, emphasizing the need for fair treatment.
The incident has sparked public interest, with many waiting to see how the legal proceedings will unfold.