After a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Sylvester Oromoni, a student at Dowen College in Lagos, Coroner Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri has absolved the school and its students of any direct responsibility. However, the coroner’s verdict, delivered after over six hours of deliberation, pointed to a complex narrative where multiple factors contributed to the untimely demise of the young student.
In a surprising turn of events, Magistrate Kadiri ruled that Sylvester Oromoni died of natural causes. Yet, he emphasized that the tragedy could have been averted if not for the negligence of the parents and medical professionals involved in his care. The coroner exonerated certain Dowen College students implicated in the incident, asserting that they bore no culpability for Sylvester’s death and should not have been entangled in the investigation.
While delivering his judgment, Magistrate Kadiri outlined several recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. He underscored the importance of parents prioritizing their children’s health and urged for enhanced cooperation between law enforcement agencies and medical personnel. Additionally, he cautioned against hasty arrests, advocating for a more cautious approach by the police.
Moreover, the coroner called for improved protocols within Dowen College, particularly regarding the monitoring of student movements within the hostel. He stressed the necessity of comprehensive documentation of students’ entry and exit, alongside advocating for thorough psychological evaluations of the individuals suspected of bullying Sylvester.
The ruling sheds light on the complexity of the case, highlighting systemic failures and underscoring the need for greater accountability and proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of students within educational institutions. As the community grapples with the aftermath of Sylvester’s tragic passing, the coroner’s recommendations serve as a roadmap for addressing critical issues and fostering a safer environment for all students.
