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Tag: Sylvester Oromoni..

  • Dowen College: All 5 students mentioned by Oromoni before dying now in police custody

    Dowen College: All 5 students mentioned by Oromoni before dying now in police custody

    The management of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State has confirmed that all five (5) mentioned by Sylvester Oromoni before he died after alleged torture are now in police custody.

    The school management made this known in a statement, confirming also that three (3) house parents as well are currently in police detention over the controversial death of Oromoni.

    In the statement addressed to parents and guardians, the school principal said Dowen College had been working with the authorities and the Oromoni family to ensure that justice is served.

    The principal pointed out that five students and three hostel parents have been taken into custody but that it isn’t an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

    The principal also added that following the preliminary investigations, the management hopes that the Ministry of Education will let the school have a timeline for next term.

    Read the full text of the statement below.

    ”Dear Parents/Guardians, as we continue to commiserate with the entire Oromoni family, we also extend our condolences to our students, parents, staff and indeed the entire Dowen College family on the demise of our beloved son Slyvester.

    “We would like to extend our appreciation to all our parents and guardians for their calls, messages, advice and encouragement as we navigate this difficult time together.

    “We would also like you to know that we are working together with the relevant authorities and the Oromoni family to ensure that justice is seen and served in this matter. We understand and appreciate your anxiety and support. We plan to do all that we can to ensure that the education and future of our dear children is not mortgaged.

    “Investigations are moving along and we continue to work with all the relevant authorities.

    “1) So far all five of the children suspected have been remanded in custody as well as the three hostel parents. Please note this is NOT an admission of guilt or wrongdoing but part of their process.

    “2) The school and members of the Oromoni family have met cordially with the Commissioner of Police to discuss the matter and the way forward.

    “3) There will be an autopsy in Lagos and the school will have its own pathologist present as well. We pray that following the preliminary investigations the Ministry of Education will let us have a timeline for next term.

    “4) The Board of Governors of the school is also willing to meet with representatives of our parents for discussions at the appropriate time.

    “In addition, we wish to inform you that the school is revising and strengthening its Health and Safety Policies and procedures. To curtail any future reoccurrence of similar alleged incident.

    “We will reeducate and reinforce culture and discipline and review our reporting and disciplinary procedures and sanctions for increased safety and accountability.

    “Going forward it will not be business as usual. We solicit for your continued prayers, patience and understanding.

  • Dowen College: Whose duty was it to save Sylvester?

    Dowen College: Whose duty was it to save Sylvester?

    By Ikeddy ISIGUZO

    WE are in the race for the national routine of speculative justification of anything, everything with room to accommodate more. Most of the utterances on the death of young Sylvester Oromoni tilt towards blame-sharing to society for the incident at Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos. Poor parenting is thrown in for good measure.
    Death demands sobriety, particularly in the circumstances that the young life went. Attempts to blame his parents bother on the callousness of our society, drawn from insincere comparisons of how children were raised generations ago. Are parents to be blamed when their children are killed in schools where they thought they would be safe?
    The least that anyone could do is to hold specific individuals responsible for their irresponsibility that took away the boy’s life. The tendency to discuss Sylvester as irrelevant statistic is a reflection of the descent of the society to its worst forms of deductions of its humanity.
    Vacuous descriptions of the incident, denials, cultism, hominem, and divisiveness that is readily elevated to national ethos are at work over Sylvester’s death. Well after the youngster’s cold body was in the morgue some still want to discuss bullying in school. We could have a murder case in our hands or at least some form of homicide. No minimalisations would lower the new bars Dowen College has lifted matters of care for children.
    Cultism is generously mentioned as if it is a permitted activity in schools. Efforts at excusing the Dowen College incident should be stopped if we are to make any progress in knowing what happened.
    Those treating this incident as another death appear unaware of the colourations the death would have assumed if it had happened to certain parents who cannot be restrained when they lose their children. Sylvester is dead. Does that matter to some people?
    How many of us would be asking the same questions about the responsibility of the dead child’s parents to him if they were the ones involved? Where did they go wrong in placing their children in a high-profile school reputed for attention it would give children based on its pedigree?
    Sylvester died. He said some people had beaten him. There were evidences of the beating. He was reportedly treated at the school’s sickbay. Nobody thought that he was in enough danger to deserve better treatment.
    The school’s story was that he had a broken leg. The first stories were that he was injured from a football game. Once his mates stated there was no football game that week, the story slimmed to his broken leg. The school no longer mentioned the source of the injury.
    Was the school disinterested in how a child under its care broke his leg? What treatment did he get for the broken leg? We are discussing the issues as if some’s cattle had its leg broken. Some commentators would have been kinder and more circumspect if a cattle was involved.
    It would seem that a broken limb was not thought threatening enough for the attention of the school’s higher authorities to be drawn to whatever caused it. The gaps in the timelines for caring about Sylvester creates an impression of normalcy around his tortured journey to death. Or is this the perception of an outsider who is unaware of how Dowen College operates?
    A human life is lost in circumstances that belie our care for each other even where someone or an organisation had been contracted to do so. We are arguing about the upbringing of the children involved. Did the school refuse to make its environment safe for children, all children in its care?
    Should parents after putting their children in boarding school be responsible for what happens to them in school to details like measures that should have stopped the torture that Sylvester went through? One would almost think that the parents paid for him to be beaten to death if we follow the lines of the justifications for his death.
    Dowen College had a duty of care to Sylvester Oromoni and his family. Whether the school authorities understood the depth of the care they should have provided for the young boy is a matter to be decided outside this space. How they went after that responsibility cannot be resolved here too.
    What is clear is that Sylvester is dead. The chilling stories of the death add to the sadness from the loss. Parents would be at loss on how to manage relationships between their children and their schools. Nothing they do would be enough any longer.
    How does it feel waving children off to school, with beliefs and convictions that they would be in safe environments, only to learn of their death at the hands of fellow students with the school telling incoherent stories?
    The coroner’s duty when the hearing on Sylvester starts on Wednesday would be to help us find his killers and serve all parties justice. There would be more stories that could help us realise the dreg our society has become because some refuse to do their work even if they are paid to do it. Nothing done at this stage can bring Sylvester back to life. The finality of the mistakes made are more telling when we think of death in this manner.
    A lot can be done. Our immediate task as individuals is to respect the sensibilities and sensitivities that the matter demands. The bigger task is to make our environments safer. Lives should not be snuffed out without consequences.
    Who else dreads knowing that there could be similar incidents in other schools in Nigeria? May the Almighty grant Sylvester rest and the parents the fortitude to bear the pains from Sylvester’s death.

    Finally…

    A RASH of first class grades from our universities leaves one wondering why a society with so much high-quality manpower remains in retarding motions. In what are these graduates first class? Is it academic attainment or abilities to resolve society’s challenges? We should not have the number of first class graduates we do and suffer all the deficits of an unimproved society.

    THERE are needless debates about the value of a Nigerian’s life. Bandits burnt an indeterminate number of Nigerians in Sokoto. President Muhammadu Buhari won’t visit Sokoto or send a delegation. He chose a book launch in Lagos.

    Isiguzo is a major commentator on minor issues

  • Tears as Dowen College parents hold candlelight session in honour of Oromoni [PHOTOS]

    Tears as Dowen College parents hold candlelight session in honour of Oromoni [PHOTOS]

    It was an atmosphere of grief, sadness and tears as the parents’ forum of Dowen College in Lagos on Wednesday held a candlelight session to commemorate the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, the 12-year-old pupil of the school.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Oromoni died a few days ago after he was allegedly attacked by “some senior colleagues” for refusing to join a cult group.

    But on Wednesday night, the candlelight procession sbegan from the school’s gate and lasted a few metres on Adebayor Doherty street before the parents returned back to the school vicinity.

    A moment of silence was also observed in honour of the deceased, even as the parents prayed for the Oromoni family “in these trying times”.

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday, said two of the students allegedly named by a deceased student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior), have been arrested.

    Odumosu noted that another student and three house masters were also assisting the police with investigation.

    He said, “One student was invited and two arrested; they are three, so one is assisting us. We just started the investigation. We have two in detention, while the other one is just a witness to throw some light on what happened.

    “We are discussing with the family on autopsy; we can’t do autopsy without the family; we can’t do autopsy without the school authority representative too. We can’t do autopsy without the representative of the parents of students being alleged; we need to be fair to everybody, so there is an arrangement to carry out autopsy with every stakeholder in attendance.”

     

  • Oromoni’s death: No one involved will be spared – Buhari

    Oromoni’s death: No one involved will be spared – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing of Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State.

    President Buhari said no one involved in the torture, and eventual death of the 12-year-old would be spared.

    The president’s words were contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity.

    The statement reads: “For several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how our young son, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior) met his death.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Sylvester, one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family and if this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.

    “I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”

    “The President urges the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved”.

  • Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner fixes date for preliminary meeting as police confirm custody of two more Dowen College students, three housemasters

    Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner fixes date for preliminary meeting as police confirm custody of two more Dowen College students, three housemasters

    The Coroner, Epe District, Magistrate Mikail Kadiri, has fixed December 15 for a preliminary meeting over the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

    Sylvester was the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki whose death has continued to spark reaction and calls for an investigation into the circumstances that led to his death.

    The date for the preliminary meeting was fixed on the directive of the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, Justice Mojisola Dada.

    It was announced in a letter dated December 7, 2021, and titled ‘RE: REQUEST FOR INQUEST INTO THE TRAGIC DEATH OF SYLVESTER OROMONI KILLED AT DOWEN COLLEGE, LEKKI, LAGOS STATE’.

    This was in response to the request by the family of Oromoni for an inquest to be conducted into the cause of death of their son who died last week.

    The Oromoni family had on Monday briefed the law firm of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, to demand the inquest.

    “Your letter dated 6th December 2021 in respect of the above subject matter refers, please.

    “I have the directive of the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, Honourable Justice M.A. Dada to act on your request and you are hereby invited to a preliminary meeting,” the letter read.

    According to it, the meeting would take place on Wednesday next week by 11 am at Magistrate Court 4, Chambers of the Coroner, Epe District, Combined High Court and Magistrate Court of Lagos State, Epe.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said five students of Dowen College, as well as three housemasters of the school, are now in their custody over alleged involvement in the death of their colleague, Sylvester Oromoni Junior.

    According to the police, four of the students were allegedly mentioned by the parents of the victim to be directly involved in the crime while another student is assisting police investigations.

    But addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, said nobody is above the law, adding that the police would carry out its work in line with the juvenile laws.

    “The students whose names were mentioned are in police custody and investigation is on. Equally too, I have gotten in touch with my colleague in Delta State,” he said.

    “Yesterday, I spoke with the mother of the deceased. I got them invited, so once they come now, we will be able to get the full facts of the case. The school has told us their own version of the case and the parents too, we will get their own version of the story.”

    Odumosu explained that four groups were involved in the case – the families of the children that are alleged, the school’s authorities, the deceased’s family, and the government.

    According to him, the four groups would come together to do and witness the post-mortem that will be conducted on Sylvester’s corpse in order to achieve an objective result.

  • Sylvester Oromoni: Dowen College parents to organize candlelight session Wednesday

    Sylvester Oromoni: Dowen College parents to organize candlelight session Wednesday

    The Parents’ Forum at Dowen College in the Lekki area of Lagos State has said there will be a candlelight session on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, in honour of the late student of the school, Sylvester Oromoni.

    The parents, while expressing deep grief over the ill-fated incident that led to the death of Oromoni, prayed for strength for the grieving family of the 12-year-old.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the father of the deceased boarding student had alleged that the Junior Secondary School 2 pupil died from the injuries sustained during an assault by five of his colleagues who wanted to initiate him into cultism but the school said he died after sustaining an injury during a football match.

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday, said three students are currently in police custody for alleged assault while two are at large.

    In a statement titled, ‘Sylvester Oromoni’s Death: Dowen College Parents Mourn’, the parents advised the school management and other stakeholders (students and parents directly or indirectly mentioned) to “fully cooperate with the authority in the ongoing investigation.”

    “While we would have loved to bring Sylvester back if humanly possible, unravelling the cause of Sylvester’s death and bringing whoever was responsible or might have contributed in whatever way to book, will not only bring this unfortunate incident to closure for the family, but this will also serve as a deterrent to others in all schools in Nigeria.

    “We, therefore, say justice for Sylvester, is justice for all.

    “On our part as parents, we will work more closely with the school (management/board), to ensure necessary measures are put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident and stamp out bullying in any form from the school,” the statement added.

    The parents said the candlelight event would hold on Wednesday by 6pm at Dowen College on 18, Adebayo Doherty Rd, Lekki, Lagos.

    “The lighting of candles is to pay tribute to a life ‘passed’ and keeping the light burning signifies that the memory still lives on and burns bright.

    “The Candlelight no doubt shall promote reflection and signifies remembrance of a life cut short in his infancy.

    “We pray that the Almighty God shall comfort the Oromoni’s family during this trying period.”

  • Dowen College: Late Senator Kashamu’s family reacts over their son involvement in Oromoni’s death

    Dowen College: Late Senator Kashamu’s family reacts over their son involvement in Oromoni’s death

    The family of late Senator Buruji Kashamu has dismissed claims that Adewale Kashamu, son of the deceased Senator, had a hand in the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.

    Oromoni, the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, died a few days ago after he was allegedly attacked by “some senior colleagues”.

    The student was said to have mentioned the late lawmaker’s son alongside four other students before he died.

    But in a statement signed by Mutairu Kashamu, Adewale’s family said he did not beat or bully Oromoni as alleged.

    According to the family, Adewale knew Oromoni in his first session at the college during which he served as his school father as requested by the late boy’s sister, who happens to be a student of the school.

    The family said Adewale’s interaction with Oromoni reduced in the 2021 academic session after he was moved to a different floor in the boarding house.

    The statement said Adewale was not aware of the alleged beating of the deceased that eventually led to his death.

    The family added that their son saw Oromoni earlier in November limping. The statement said Adewale thought that he was injured while playing football and advised him to visit the school’s clinic.

    It also claimed that other students who knew about Oromoni’s leg injury testified that he was injured during a football session with his colleagues.

    The family said its initial delay on the incident was to enable it to conduct a proper check before reacting to the “insults” coming its way since the news of Oromoni’s death broke.

    “Since the news of the unfortunate incident broke, we have made our own private enquiries and carefully questioned our son about his involvement,” the statement read.

    “This is why we did not rush out to respond to the cyber-stalking, name-calling and negative commentaries that have taken over the social media about our son’s alleged involvement in this sad incident.”

    The family enjoined the public to await the outcome of investigations by the Lagos State Government and the police before arriving at a conclusion on what led to Oromoni’s death.

    “We feel and can relate to the pains of the Oromoni family and all those genuinely concerned about this unfortunate incident,” it added.

    “That is why we wish to express our readiness to cooperate with the parents of the deceased, the Police, the Lagos State government and other relevant stakeholders to get to the root of this matter so that the cause of justice will not only be served but manifestly seen to have been served.

    “However, it is regrettable that of the five names that were mentioned in relation to the incident, it is only Kashamu’s name that seems to ring a bell. Consequently, the family and its late patriarch (Senator Buruji Kashamu of blessed memory) have been the butt of irresponsible, falsehood-based and unwarranted attacks even when the full details of the incident are not yet known.

    “There is no denying the fact that Adewale Michael Kashamu is one of the children of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu. But, no family or parent will send a child to school to be involved in any form of crime or criminality; just like no parent would be happy to be informed that a child he or she sent to school to learn has been molested or killed under any guise.

    “That is why we wish to appeal for restraint on all sides. The cyber-bullying of our family will not help in any way to solve the bullying in schools that society through the ages has desired to stop.

    “On our part, we have continued to engage our son, Adewale Michael Kashamu, and he has continued to maintain his innocence.”

    The full statement by late Senator Kashamu’s family on the matter reads: “The Kashamu family has been inundated with enquiries, calls and messages over the unfortunate incident at Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, which led to the untimely death of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of the College.

    “While we empathize and commiserate with the family of the late Sylvester Oromoni over the irreplaceable loss, we wish to appeal to all and sundry to hold their horses until the Police and the Lagos State government have completed their independent investigations and established the truth.

    “Most commentators have rushed to conclusions based on assumptions and false information, including the allegation that our son Adewale Michael Kashamu was in any way involved in the bullying or beating of Sylvester Oromoni.

    ”Since the news of the unfortunate incident broke, we have made our own private enquiries and carefully questioned our son about his involvement. This is why we did not rush out to respond to the cyber-stalking, name-calling and negative commentaries that have taken over the social media about our son’s alleged involvement in this sad incident.

    ”Some of the true facts now slowly emerging from under the mass of lies are that: Our son, Adewale Michael Kashamu, had acted as a school father for the late Sylvester in his first session in the school at the request of Sylvester’s sister who is also a student of the school.

    “However, in the 2021 session commencing in September 2021 Adewale Michael Kashamu was moved to a different floor in the boarding house and engrossed in his own studies and activities, he was no longer as close to Sylvester as in the previous session.

    ”Adewale Michael Kashamu is a compassionate and considerate boy. Sometime last session, some boys had been accused of beating Sylvester with belts and seizing his foodstuff but Adewale Michael Kashamu was not involved at all. He was in fact in sympathy with Sylvester over that incident.

    “On that occasion, Sylvester’s parents made a report to the school and the affected students were questioned and one of them at least was suspended.

    “Adewale Michael Kashamu is not aware that an identical incident occurred again this year leading to Sylvester’s injury and death.

    “Adewale Michael Kashamu had seen Sylvester limping sometime late in November and (assuming he might have been injured playing football) merely empathized with him and advised him to go to the school clinic.

    ”Other students who knew the circumstances of Sylvester’s leg injury have all testified that he was injured whilst playing football.

    “Whilst he was in school, Sylvester had no visible injury to his lips or face. Sylvester’s family has admitted that Sylvester’s swollen, blistered and bloody lips (as shown in videos and pictures, now viral on the internet) were reactions to medications given to Sylvester after he had been taken from the school by his parents.

    “We feel and can relate to the pains of the Oromoni family and all those genuinely concerned about this unfortunate incident. That is why we wish to express our readiness to cooperate with the parents of the deceased, the Police, the Lagos State government and other relevant stakeholders to get to the root of this matter so that the cause of justice will not only be served but manifestly seen to have been served.

    “However, it is regrettable that of the five names that were mentioned in relation to the incident, it is only Kashamu’s name that seems to ring a bell. Consequently, the family and its late patriarch (Senator Buruji Kashamu of blessed memory) have been the butt of irresponsible, falsehood-based and unwarranted attacks even when the full details of the incident are not yet known.

    ”There is no denying the fact that Adewale Michael Kashamu is one of the children of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu. But, no family or parent will send a child to school to be involved in any form of crime or criminality; just like no parent would be happy to be informed that a child he or she sent to school to learn has been molested or killed under any guise.

    ”That is why we wish to appeal for restraint on all sides. The cyber-bullying of our family will not help in any way to solve the bullying in schools that society through the ages has desired to stop.

    ”The larger society should start by setting a higher standard.

    “We reckon that the bereaved family has related the account of the incident as narrated by the deceased.

    “On our part, we have continued to engage our son, Adewale Michael Kashamu, and he has continued to maintain his innocence.

    “Now that the Lagos State government and the Police have waded into the matter, we shall fully cooperate with them so that the truth will be established and the cause of justice served – justice for the deceased and his family, justice for the accused students and their families and justice for the society.

    “At this juncture, we want to encourage the management, parents and pupils of Dowen College (and indeed anyone) who may have useful information about this incident to please volunteer same to the Police and the Lagos State government – in the interest of justice.”

  • Oromoni’s death: We are fully committed to thorough, proper investigation – Dowen College

    Oromoni’s death: We are fully committed to thorough, proper investigation – Dowen College

    The board and management of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State has expressed commitment to a thorough and proper investigation over the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oromoni Jnr is the son of the Chairman of the Environment Task Force in Delta State, Sylvester Oromoni Snr.

    Oromoni Jnr died after a bizzare encounter in Dowen College. The school claimed the boy sustained injuries from a football game that led to his death. But the parents insist Oromoni Jnr was tortured.

    Following the eventual closure by the Lagos State Government, the school has said they are committed to a thorough and proper investigation.

    In a statement released on Saturday, the board and management of Dowen College expressed grief over the death of Oromoni Jnr, describing him as a beacon of light for the school.

    The statement reads: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of one of our beloved students, Sylvester Oromoni Jr.

    “He was dearly loved by his teachers, his fellow students and he was a beacon of light for the school.

    “The tragic and unfortunate incident which transpired this past November, and Sylvester’s untimely death requires a thorough and proper investigation.

    “Dowen College is fully committed to this.

    “We are assisting the authorities to get to the bottom of this heartbreaking incident.

    “The first steps taken by the school, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has been the immediate closure of the school to aid in the investigation.

    “Understandably, at this time of intense grief and suffering, emotions are raw and tensions are high.

    “We pray that God, who alone knows how to comfort the sorrowing, will comfort Sylvester’s family and all those who love and knew him.

    “We commiserate with the Oromoni family, and the students of Dowen College who have lost a friend and fellow student.

    “This is a traumatic experience.

    “We assure our parents that the school is taking steps to ensure the safety and security of their children and wards.

    “This is paramount.

    “Every child is valued at Dowen College and their health and well-being is of the utmost priority to the school”.

    Meanwhile, the police in Lagos State have sealed off Dowen College, following directives by the Lagos State Government.

  • Dowen College: Lagos Police investigates Sylvester Oromoni’s death

    Dowen College: Lagos Police investigates Sylvester Oromoni’s death

    The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday said investigation into the death of one Sylvester Oromoni of Dowen College, Lekki, is currently ongoing.

    The Lagos Police Command, in a statement issued by CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said that although no formal report had been made to it, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, had ordered the investigation of the death.

    “The Lagos State Police Command is not unaware of the reported death of one Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, which is currently going viral on the social media.

    “The Commissioner of Police, upon hearing about it, instantly directed the Divisional Police Officer, Maroko Division, under whose jurisdiction the place of incident is, to immediately visit the school to carry out initial investigation into the incident.

    “This directive has been carried out as investigation into the case has since commenced.

    “However, in view of the seriousness of the case, the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, has also been directed to take over investigation of the case immediately.” he said.

    Ajisebutu, in the statement, further said that members of the public should avoid taking laws into their hands as the command has assured the bereaved family of justice.

    “Members of the public, particularly the deceased’s bereaved parents, friends and relatives, are assured that the Lagos State Police Command has deployed all available human and material resources at its disposal to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sad and unfortunate incident.

    “While diligent investigation is ongoing, members of the public are advised against taking the law into their own hands. They are also enjoined to refrain from comments that could jeopardize investigation.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, while commiserating with the bereaved family, has equally assured that the outcome of police investigation would be made public in due course,” he said.

    Oromoni, was reported dead on Wednesday, Dec. 1 by a Twitter user, @perrisonoromoni who claimed to be the deceased’s cousin.

    According to @perrisonoromoni, the deceased was bullied and beaten by fellow students which led to his death.
    However, Dowen College, in a statement, denied all allegations, stating that Oromoni only complained of body pains from playing football.

    Dowen College also directed students to take Friday, Dec. 3 off, and resume on Monday, Dec. 6 following the incident and to also enable the students study for exams.

    @perrisonoromoni subsequently put out photos and video evidence, which showed the bruises on the deceased’s body.

    The Lagos State Ministry of Education, however, on Friday, Dec. 3, announced the indefinite closure of Dowen College, Lekki, pending the outcome of investigation into the boy’s death.

  • Sylvester Oromoni: Okowa backs Lagos on school closure, promises to ensure justice

    Sylvester Oromoni: Okowa backs Lagos on school closure, promises to ensure justice

    The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has supported the decision of the Lagos State Government to shut down Dowen College over the demise of a 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni.

    Okowa took to his social media platforms to react to the child’s death, stating that the student is a native of his state.

    He said, “Last night, I spoke to Mr. Sylvester Oromoni, the father of late Sylvester Oromoni Jr., the Dowen College student who unfortunately died under very controversial and unclear circumstances.

    “During the call, I expressed my agreement with the decision of the Lagos State government to launch an investigation into the death of Sylvester, a native of Warri South LGA in Delta State.

    “As a government that places priority on the lives of our citizens within and outside the state, we are determined to pursue this case to the end. The matter must be investigated, perpetrators apprehended, punished, and made an example of, to serve as a very strong deterrence against future occurrences.

    “As we continue to watch this case closely, we extend our prayers and support to the Oromoni family. As they mourn the loss of their young son, I pray that Almighty God gives them the strength that they need at this difficult time.”

    TheNewsGuru recalls that on Friday, the Lagos State Ministry of Education announced the indefinite closure of Dowen College, Lekki, pending the outcome of investigation into the boy’s death.