The death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni, a student at Dowen College in Lekki, Nigeria, continues to spark outrage and controversy. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has ignited fresh calls for a more thorough investigation, sharply criticizing the recent verdict from a Coroner’s Inquest into the case.
Coroner Lays Blame on Parents and Doctor
Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, the presiding Coroner, ruled that Oromoni’s death stemmed from complications related to a pre-existing liver condition. Kadiri placed blame on the boy’s parents and a doctor who treated him, alleging negligence that could have been prevented with proper medical intervention.
Falana strongly disagrees with the Coroner’s conclusions. He argues that critical evidence was disregarded, specifically highlighting the presence of an unidentified substance found in Oromoni’s stomach. Falana emphasizes the absence of a toxicology report, which could have shed light on the nature of the substance and its potential link to the bullying allegations. These allegations centered around claims that Oromoni was forced to ingest a harmful substance.
Questions Surround Handling of Bullying Allegations
Falana further raises concerns about how the bullying allegations were investigated. He points to the initial recommendation by Lagos State’s Acting Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to pursue criminal charges against certain staff and students connected to the bullying. However, this recommendation was inexplicably reversed by the DPP later on, without any apparent presentation of new evidence by investigators.
Falana insists on a more comprehensive investigation. Also, he criticizes the Coroner for overlooking evidence of bullying and failing to address the potential responsibility of school officials in addressing these issues.
The Sylvester Oromoni case has become a rallying cry for many Nigerians demanding justice and transparency. Public outcry has been significant, with calls for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. However, Falana’s intervention adds significant weight to these demands, ensuring continued legal scrutiny of the case.
Lingering Questions and a Search for Answers
Falana’s critique raises several unanswered questions. Did the Coroner adequately consider all the evidence, particularly the unidentified substance found in Oromoni’s stomach? Was the investigation into bullying allegations exhaustive, and were all parties held accountable? The lack of a toxicology report and the reversal of the DPP’s initial recommendation leave room for doubt.
Falana’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope for accountability in this case. A more comprehensive investigation, incorporating a thorough examination of the unidentified substance and a renewed focus on the bullying allegations, is crucial. Only then can the Oromoni family and the Nigerian public achieve a sense of closure and ensure the safety of students in Nigerian schools.
The Sylvester Oromoni case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children from bullying and upholding their well-being within educational institutions. Moreover, Falana’s unwavering pursuit of justice paves the way for a potential resolution that honors Oromoni’s memory and fosters a safer learning environment for all Nigerian students.
Source: Punch
