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  • Sylvester Oromoni died of natural cause, says coroner

    Sylvester Oromoni died of natural cause, says coroner

    A Lagos Coroner inquest into the death of Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr), a 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, has said he died of natural cause.

    According to the coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, the death was avoidable but occurred due to parental negligence. He therefore absolved staff of the college of any complicity.

    This was the thrust of the corner’s verdict contained in a 255-page judgment delivered yesterday at the Justice Ilori Court House in Ogba. Magistrate Kadiri held that the deceased went through avoidable excruciating pain and needless suffering until his death because of how his parents handled the issue.

    According to him, the essence of the inquest was to determine how a person died and the circumstances that surround the death. He noted that evidences and reports of the two experts who performed autopsy on the late Oromoni Jr said he died of severe septicemia (sepsis) as a result of an infection.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Parent, doctor’s negligence led to Sylvester Oromoni’s death- Coroner

    He said: “I do not believe the version of the family doctor, Henry Aghogho, evidence. He did not provide the required duty of care for the patient whose home care treatment was ‘trivialized’ despite early diagnosis. The doctor was found to have abandoned the deceased for more than 32 hours and didn’t carry out an X-ray and scan early enough which would have revealed his deteriorating condition.

    “Despite the deceased condition, he completely neglected the victim. The clinical records show that he did not give quality treatment to the deceased; it also exposed the lies behind his evidence.

    “Having examined the evidence tendered by all witnesses, I have come to the conclusion that the deceased died of a natural cause.”

    Magistrate Kadiri also pointed out that despite accusations that the deceased was beaten and bullied, it was not proven because all the accused persons denied.

  • UPDATED: Parent, doctor’s negligence led to Sylvester Oromoni’s death- Coroner

    UPDATED: Parent, doctor’s negligence led to Sylvester Oromoni’s death- Coroner

    A Lagos Coroner inquest set up to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, has said that he died of natural cause. 

    The coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri , stated that the deceased’s death was avoidable but for parental negligence while absolving staff of the college of any complicity.

    This was the thrust of the corner’s verdict contained in a 255-page judgement delivered on Monday at Justice Ilori Court House, Ogba.

    He noted the deceased went through avoidable excruciating pain and needless suffering until death because of how his parents handled the issue.

    Magistrate Kadiri noted that the essence of the inquest was to determine how a deceased died  and the circumstances that surrounds his death. 

    Read Also: Deceased Dowen student, Sylvester Oromoni, finally laid to rest

    He said evidences and reports of the two experts who performed autopsy on  late Oromoni Jr stated that he died of severe septicemia (sepsis) as a result of an infection.

    “I do not believe the version of family doctor, Henry Aghogho evidence.

    “He did not provide the required duty of care for the patient whose home care treatment was “trivialized” despite early diagnosis. The doctor was found to have abandoned the deceased for more than 32 hours and didn’t carry out an X-ray and scan early enough which would have revealed his deteriorating condition.

    “Despite the deceased condition, he completely neglected the victim, the clinical records shows that he did not give quality treatment to the deceased, it also exposed the lies behind his evidence. 

    “Having examined the evidence tendered by all witnesses, I have come to the conclusion that the deceased died a natural cause.”

    Magistrate Kadiri pointed out that despite the alleged accusations of the deceased that he was beaten and bullied, it was not proven because all the accused persons denied.

    “All the students involved denied the allegations while some of them were not in school when the incident occurred as they claimed to be borders who don’t even stay in school during the weekends.

    “Therefore, the evidence of the sister could not be relied on because it was based on hearsay from the brother,” he said. 

    He also stated: “The parent didn’t take him to any hospital in Lagos despite the fact that they have a house there. They took him to Warri in Delta State and were negligent in how they handled the deceased sickness, there was long period of days whereby the boy could have been treated appropriately.. 

    “He went through avoidable excruciating pain and needless suffering until his death. The pupils alleged to have bullied him  played no part in the death of the deceased from all the evidences before the court.

    ‘In fact Edward and Kenneth should have not been path of this whole case, because they were not even in school when the incident occurred.”

    The coroner absolved staff of Dowen College of any complicity in the death of the deceased.

    “No Dowen College staff played any role in the deceased death,” he stated. 

    The Coroner advised  parents not take their children’s health with levity and  better synergy between police and medical team in such matters.

    He also called for proper psychological evaluation for five students suspected to have bullied the deceased because of what they might be going through as a result of the allegations.

  • BREAKING: Parents, doctor’s negligence killed Sylvester Oromoni – Coroner

    BREAKING: Parents, doctor’s negligence killed Sylvester Oromoni – Coroner

    The Coroner Inquest held at the Ogba Magistrate Court to investigate the death of Sylvester Junior Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, has concluded that his death was due to negligence on the part of his parents and doctor.

    Mikhail Kadiri, the coroner magistrate, declared that Oromoni’s enlarged liver was not adequately treated, which resulted in his death.

    Oromoni died on November 30, 2021.

    The Nation reported that his death was initially attributed to bullying and an alleged toxic substance he was forced to take in the school.

    He was said to have mentioned that he was beaten up by five senior students of Dowen College whose names were Favour Benjamin, 16, Edward Begue (16), Ansel Temile (14) Kenneth Inyang and Micheal Kashamu, 16, son of late Senator, Buruji Kashamu, before he died.

    However, on January 5, 2022, the Lagos State Government cleared the five Dowen College staff and students who had been charged with Sylvester Oromoni’s death in Lekki, Lagos.

    Read Also: Deceased Dowen student, Sylvester Oromoni, finally laid to rest

    Kadiri said: “Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the deceased’s health deteriorated in (doctor) PW 3’s care.

    “PW 3, did not take proper care of the deceased, PW 3, completely abandoned the deceased for a period of more than 32 hours.

    “The deceased’s death was an avoidable one but for the negligence of the parents and PW 3, they didn’t take him to the hospital until the day he died on November 30, 2021.

    “The deceased went through an avoidable and excruciating pain and made to suffer needlessly.”

  • Deceased Dowen student, Sylvester Oromoni, finally laid to rest

    Deceased Dowen student, Sylvester Oromoni, finally laid to rest

    • Family awaits court judgment in April

    Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, who was alleged to have died from complications arising from bullying at his school, was laid to rest yesterday at the family’s compound in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.

    The deceased student’s burial took place more than two years after his death.

    Among the dignitaries who graced the ceremony were human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN and the Executive Director, Social Services, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Chief Favour Izuokumor, among others.

    Sylvester had passed away on November 30, 2021 after five senior school mates allegedly beat him and forced him to ingest some poisonous substance.

    The incident, which generated national outcry, led to the shutdown of the school for about a month by the Lagos State Government.

    Dowen College had dismissed the claim, alleging that the boy sustained injuries playing football with his friends while the Oromoni family countered Dowen’s claim, arguing that their son had no health challenges before the incident.

    They maintained that the boy would remain in the morgue until a definite verdict from a coroner’s inquest into the matter.

    In January 2022, an initial autopsy declared that Oromoni died of “acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication”.

    The result was, however, later discredited as the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos released a second result claiming that Oromoni died naturally.

    The case has been in court since 2022 and the bereaved family vowed to pursue the matter up to the apex court.

    Last week, during the adoption of final written addresses by parties to the case, Mikhail Kadiri, the magistrate presiding over the coroner’s inquest on Oromoni, said the outcome of the court rounds would be made known on April 12.

    A statement released by the family during the week reads in part: “As a family grappling with the profound sorrow brought about by this inexplicable loss, we have chosen to bid farewell to Sylvester on Saturday, January 27, 2024 with final rites to be conducted at Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, Delta State.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Late Dowen student Sylvester Oromoni finally laid to rest

    “Two years ago, precisely on November, 30, 2021, the death of our 12-year-old son, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, was announced in controversial circumstances after he was tortured to death by some senior students who wanted to initiate him into a cult group and till date we as family is yet to get justice in the matter.

    “Sylvester, born on December 4, 2009, met a devastating end on November 30, 2021, succumbing to injuries inflicted in a harrowing assault by fellow students.

    “Before his untimely demise, Sylvester was renowned for his exceptional intellect and maturity beyond his years. A young mind brimming with potential, he demonstrated remarkable initiative and an extraordinary sense of humor, endearing him to those fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

    “Sylvester’s insatiable passion for knowledge, particularly in fields of computer science, programming, electrical science, and his special interest in football set him apart.

    “His absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives as a family and the lives of those who hold him dear, and his legacy will endure through the indelible memories of the profound impact he made on those around him.

    “As we continue to mourn our son, we as a family implore everyone to honour Sylvester’s memory by reflecting on the bright spirit that enriched their lives and celebrate the intellect that radiated from his young mind. As the community mourns the loss of this promising scholar, we will continue to demand justice for our beloved son who was murdered in cold blood by fellow students.”

  • BREAKING: Late Dowen student Sylvester Oromoni finally laid to rest

    BREAKING: Late Dowen student Sylvester Oromoni finally laid to rest

    Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, was laid to rest on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the family’s compound at Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta. 

    The late student’s burial comes over two years after his death.

    Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana (SAN) was among the dignitaries at the burial ceremony.

    Oromoni (Jnr) died in November 2021 after he was alleged to have been beaten by five of his colleagues.

    Dowen College dismissed the claim, alleging that the boy sustained injuries playing football with his friends.

    Oromoni’s family had countered Dowen’s claim, arguing that their son had no health challenges before the incident.

    They maintained that the boy would remain in the morgue pending a definite verdict from a coroner’s inquest into the matter.

    In January 2022, an initial autopsy declared that Oromoni died of “acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication” but the result was later discredited.

    The department of public prosecution (DPP) in Lagos released a second result ruling that Oromoni died naturally.

    Read Also: Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner’s findings to be released April 12

    The case has been in court since 2022 and the bereaved family vowed to pursue the matter up to the apex court. 

    Last week, during the adoption of final written addresses by parties to the case, Mikhail Kadiri, the magistrate presiding over the coroner’s inquest on Oromoni, said the outcome of the court rounds will be made known on April 12.

    “All witnesses have been called and the ruling is the only thing remaining,” a member of the family said.

    “My family decided it was time to bury [him] and say our final goodbyes.”

  • Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner’s findings to be released April 12

    Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner’s findings to be released April 12

    Findings from the  coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, will be made known on or before April 12.

    The Coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, gave the assurance on Monday during adoption of final written addresses by parties in the case.

    Kadiri said that findings from the inquest, which began on Nov. 30, 2021 before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, would be made public.

    Counsel in the suit adopted their final written addresses at the proceedings.

    Chief Femi Falana (SAN) represented the Oromoni Family while Mr Anthony Kpokpo represented Dowen College.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, on Oct. 9, 2023, the mother of the deceased, Mrs Rosemary Oromoni, testified as the last witness before the coroner.

    She said that the late student had no health challenge before the complaints he made few days to his death.

    According to the witness, she could not take the late student to hospital on the day he arrived home from school with complaints, few days before his death.

    Kadiri then commiserated with the witness and her family on the death of the student, and admitted the statement she made at a police station in evidence.

    The coroner directed counsel in the inquest to file their final written addresses within two weeks.

    Kadiri adjourned the case until Nov. 20, 2023, for adoption of the final written addresses.

    The adoption was further adjourned until Jan. 15.

    Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.  reportedly died on Nov. 30, 2021, at a private hospital in Warri, Delta, after alleged health complications at Dowen College, Lagos.

    Read Also: Sylvester Oromoni Jnr: I can’t be tired, discouraged from getting justice, says father

    After his death, the Lagos State Government shut the school and set up a coroner’s inquest to unravel the circumstances of his death.

    The inquest began in January 2022

    The Oromoni Family alleges that the student died from injuries he suffered as a result of bullying by five senior students of the college.

    The family also claims that he was not treated by the school in a hospital.

    However, Dowen College claims that the JS2 student was not bullied or injured by any student but was injured during a football match with fellow students.

    (NAN)

  • Sylvester Oromoni Jnr: I can’t be tired, discouraged from getting justice, says father

    Sylvester Oromoni Jnr: I can’t be tired, discouraged from getting justice, says father

    Sylvester Oromoni Snr, the father of the late Dowen College student, who died on November 30, 2021, has vowed to continue the pursuit of justice for his son.

    The late 12-year-old died at a private hospital in Warri, Delta state, following health complications that allegedly occurred at his school in Lagos state.

    Briefing reporters in Warri, on Wednesday, November 29, in remembrance of Sylvester’s passage, Oromoni said he is very much committed to seeking justice to a logical conclusion.

    He said the remains of his son have been in the morgue while waiting for justice to be served on the ongoing case in court.

    Read Also: Sylvester Oromoni: Mother insists  her son was bullied at school  

    Recall that the 12-year-old was allegedly beaten and forcibly given a concussion to drink at school by five senior students.

    He stated: “As the father of the deceased, I cannot be tired or discouraged from pursuing justice, as I have promised my son to get him justice even if it will take thirty years to achieve it.

    “Thursday, November 30, 2023, makes it two years since the demise of my son and the body is still in the morgue, yet to be buried. May the soul of Sylvester Oromoni (Jnr.) and all departed souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.”