The Political Awareness Group (PAG), has expressed concerns over the continued detention of Principal of the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr Abdullah Fasasi.

According to a statement by the Chairman of PAG, Dr Lukmon Fasasi and the Secretary Mr Adesola Muftau, the Principal has been in police custody for over 48 hours, which is beyond the legal limit.

“His detention is linked to a tragic incident that occurred during a funfair organized by an NGO called WINGS, in collaboration with Agidigbo FM (89.7 FM). The event resulted in the tragic loss of several children’s lives due to a stampede”

The statement noted that concerns have been raised regarding the arrest of Abdullah Fasasi because the media partner, who played a role in selecting and approving the venue for the fair, seems to be preferentially treated as having the freedom of attempting to gain public sympathy by claiming that all necessary precautions were taken to prevent the unforeseen tragedy.

It pointed out that numerous concerned Nigerians and organizations are calling for a thorough investigation of the incident.

“While PAG does not wish to obstruct the police investigation, they are worried about the seemingly selective nature of the inquiry, which raises questions about the potential outcome. It is unjustifiable for Mr Fasasi to be held beyond the 48-hour timeframe, especially given the evidence showing that he insisted and ensured the event organizers obtained all necessary approvals from the relevant authorities”

The Statement further indicated that Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, who facilitated the venue, has acknowledged making payments to government coffers and the ongoing treatment of Mr Abdullahi Fasasi suggests that he has been presumed guilty of neglecting his duties before the investigation has concluded.

“There has been no information linking the Principal, directly or indirectly, to the organization of the funfair. It is documented that the state benefitted financially from the payments made by the organizers, according to publicly available documents”

“A letter signed by Mr Fasasi and addressed to Agidigbo FM explicitly requested that the necessary approvals and payments be made to the Ministry of Education, emphasizing the need for security and other logistical arrangements for the safety of the children involved”

” At the time of the incident, the Principal was likely not present at the school, as it was during the holiday period of the first term for the 2024/2025 academic session. Likely, only the event organizers, their direct associates, and guests were at the venue during those early hours”

The Political Awareness Group, PAG is alarmed by the continued detention of the Principal after 48 hours without formal charges, saying that no reports are indicating any complicity on his part.

“We trust that the government will act sincerely to ensure justice is served and to prevent future occurrences. All actions taken must be in the public interest to avoid further emotional distress, especially considering the public’s reaction following the tragic loss of these children—who had overcome various hardships yet had promising futures ahead of them”

” PAG, like many other organizations, is committed to ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor applied selectively. We demand, among other things, the release of Mr Abdullahi Fasasi, as he is a vital witness and should not be subjected to intimidation”

The called on all well-meaning Nigerians, human rights groups, ANCOPPS, NUT, the Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria, and the Old Students Association of the school to advocate for the rights and welfare of Mr Abdullahi Fasasi because He has already endured enough mental torment for an offence he did not commit.

“It is crucial to avoid setting a negative precedent which could undermine the dignity of school leadership in the state. Teachers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. An injustice to Mr Abdullahi Fasasi is an injustice to the teaching profession and a mockery of the position of a school principal”