The anticipated findings from the coroner’s inquest into the tragic death of 12-year-old Master Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., a student of Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos, will be disclosed on or before April 12. This assurance was given by the Coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, during the adoption of final written addresses by involved parties in the case on Monday.
Chief Femi Falana (SAN) represented the Oromoni Family, while Mr. Anthony Kpokpo represented Dowen College during the proceedings. The inquest, which commenced on November 30, 2021, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, has been gathering evidence to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.’s demise.
On October 9, 2023, the deceased student’s mother, Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni, testified as the final witness before the coroner, stating that her son had no health challenges before he complained of illness a few days before his untimely death. The coroner expressed condolences to the witness and admitted her statement made at a police station into evidence.
The coroner directed the counsel involved to submit their final written addresses within two weeks. The case was adjourned to November 20, 2023, for the adoption of final written addresses, with subsequent adjournments leading to the latest date of January 15.
Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. reportedly passed away on November 30, 2021, at a private hospital in Warri, Delta, following alleged health complications at Dowen College, Lagos. The Lagos State Government, in response to the incident, closed the school and initiated a coroner’s inquest to uncover the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Oromoni Family alleges that the student died from injuries sustained due to bullying by five senior students at the college. They also claim that he was not adequately treated by the school in a hospital. In contrast, Dowen College contends that the JS2 student was neither bullied nor injured by any student but suffered injuries during a football match with fellow students.
