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 post-convocation celebration.
The incident reportedly occurred after a night party organised by students of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology following its second convocation ceremony.
According to police reports, the deaths resulted from a stampede triggered by a fight among students at the hotel premises.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that the hotel be sealed and also directed that the Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) take over the case for further legal action.
The decision followed the arraignment of 12 suspects by the police in connection with the incident.
Police prosecutor Martins Akala had earlier filed a motion ex parte seeking the remand of the suspects for 30 days in correctional custody to allow for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges of conspiracy, criminal negligence, and manslaughter, supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit.
During proceedings, Deputy Director and Legal Officer for Ekiti State, Kunle Adeyemo, informed the court that he had been authorised by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, to take over the prosecution of the matter.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to May 19, 2026, for further hearing.