A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has ordered the immediate sealing of Crown Emirate Hotel in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area, following the death of three students.

Tribune Online had reported the deaths of three persons at the hotel during a night party organised by students after the second convocation ceremony of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI).

According to the police, the deaths resulted from a stampede that occurred after a fight broke out among the students.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, in its ruling on Thursday, 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, 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 19 May 2026 for further hearing. (Nigerian Tribune)