Education

I won’t bury my son even if it takes 30 years to get justice – Sylvester’s dad

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Sylvester Oromoni, the father of the late 12-year-old pupil of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, has emphasised the family’s determination to get justice, as he would not bury his son even if it takes 30 years to get justice.

He also countered the report of the autopsy carried out at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, alleging that there was foul play.

Recall that Sylvester was alleged to have been killed by some senior students of his school, after his refusal to join a cult group, a claim which the school denied.

The state government ordered the indefinite closure of the school while awaiting the outcome of an investigation into the matter.

Five students and five employees who were arrested were cleared following a legal advice by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Adetutu Oshinusi.

The autopsy carried out by a consultant pathologist at the Central Hospital Warri, Clement Vhriterhire, showed that Sylvester died of “acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication in a background of blunt force trauma.”

But the interim and final autopsy report by LASUTH said he died of “Septicaemia, lobar pneumonia with acute pyelonephritis and pyomyositis of the right ankle.”

However, the outgoing Commissioner of Police in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, on Friday said the toxicology report of the first autopsy carried out in Warri was released on December 30, 2021, signed by Vhriterhire, attributing cause of death to “acute bacteria pneumonia due to severe sepsis.”

Sylvester Snr and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, had countered the DPP’s advice with the latter describing the report as “escapist and hasty.”

Falana had said, “The report has not laid to rest the allegations surrounding the gruesome murder of Sylvester Oromoni. The report is escapist and hasty as the authorities are aware of the fact that the Chief Coroner of Lagos State has ordered that an inquest be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the unnatural death of Sylvester Oromoni. The inquest, which commenced before the coroner on December 16, 2021, has been adjourned till January 15, 2022 for further hearing.”

The deceased’s father insisted that the case wasn’t anywhere near an end, as his son would not laid to rest until “justice is served” even if it took as long as 30 years.

He said, “The family does not have power. We only rely on God. If they insist that the school will reopen, there is no problem. If God keeps me for 20 or 30 years, I will follow up this case. Government will come, the government will go. I am not bothered. The soul of that boy is crying round. God is alive; He cannot be bribed.

“My son will never be buried. If it takes me 30 years to get justice, he would remain there (in the mortuary). He is my son; I won’t bury him. Nigerians should look beyond what they are saying.”

When asked if he had any doubt over the autopsy released by the state government, he retorted “Do they have any autopsy report? They don’t have any. The doctor that did the autopsy in Delta State was recommended by the Area Commander. He is not the family doctor. We don’t know him. Our lawyer applied to the Area Command to get a copy of the autopsy.”

But Odumosu, at a press briefing held at the police headquarters in Ikeja on Friday and tagged ‘Sylvester Oromoni Jnr: Update on Investigation,’ dismissed any foul play.

He explained that eight persons–five pupils and three house masters – were arrested following a petition to the police on the matter, adding that on December 9, 2021, he interviewed the late pupil’s family, the school management, and witnesses at the command’s headquarters.

He said, “During the open interview, it was unanimously agreed that another autopsy should be carried out where pathologists from all parties would be present. Investigation was extended to Delta State and Abuja. I will like to state here that investigation revealed that the same case was reported at the Area Command Warri, Delta State, on December 1, 2021.

“It has also been established that a post mortem examination was initially carried out on December 2, 2021 by a Consultant Pathologist, Dr. Clement Vhriterhire of the Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State. The result of the first autopsy dated December 10, 2021 attributed the cause of death to ‘acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication in a background of blunt force trauma.’

“However, toxicology screening was recommended and also carried out. While waiting for the result of the toxicology, another autopsy was ordered by the Coroner Magistrate in Lagos because of the status of jurisdiction. The corpse was, therefore, moved with armed police escorts from Delta State to Lagos State by TOS Funeral and the autopsy conducted at the expense of the Lagos State Government. The second autopsy was carried out at the Lagos state University Teaching Hospital on December 14, 2021 in the presence of representatives of all the parties involved in the case.”

The CP further said the second autopsy was carried out by the Consultant Pathologist and Chief Examiner, Department of Pathology and Forensic Sciences, LASUTH, Dr. S.S Soyemi, witnessed by representatives of all the parties, including Vhriterhire, as well as police officers, among other principal officials.

Odumosu said the final results of the post mortem and toxicology examination conducted at Delta and Lagos states showed that the deceased died a natural death.

He stated, “Before the expiration of the 21 days remand order, the families of the students applied for their bail at the Magistrates’ Court 1 Yaba. The application was approved hence the students who were earlier remanded at Boys Home, Oregun, we’re granted bail. The house masters were also granted bail after the expiration of the 21 days remand order.

“The result of the second autopsy carried out in Lagos was released on December 21, 2021. The result attributed the cause of death to ‘Septicaemia, lobar pneumonia with acute pyelonephritis and pyomyositis of the right ankle.’ On December 30, 2021, the toxicology screening results of the first autopsy carried out in Warri was released. The result issued and signed by Dr Clement Vhriterhire, the same doctor who carried out the initial autopsy, attributed the cause of death to ‘acute bacteria pneumonia due to severe sepsis.’

“At the end of diligent investigation carried out so far, there is no evidence to establish a case of torture, bullying and forceful application of poisonous substance against the suspects. All the suspects denied the allegations of torture, bullying and administering of poisonous substance to the deceased. Allegation that the deceased was being forced to join a cult group was also not established as other students interviewed denied this.”

Sylvester Oromoni: Autopsy report shows he was not murdered

Don’t be scammed, we’ve not commenced sale of 2022 UTME forms — JAMB warns

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has strictly warned prospective candidates to avoid being scammed as it had not commenced the sale of the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations and Direct Entry forms.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Board’s Head of Media and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, which stressed that any claims that the sale of forms had commenced was fraudulent and should be disregarded.

The Board however admitted that it had concluded plans to commence the sale of the UTME and DE forms but added that no date had been fixed.

JAMB also reminded people that the date for the commencement of sale of the forms had never been shrouded in mystery as it is always publicised on both print and digital media.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has been drawn to the activities of unwholesome elements who had been misleading the general public on the purported commencement of the sale of the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry application documents.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any information in circulation purporting to have emanated from the Board to the effect that the sale of the 2022 UTME and DE forms has commenced is not only fraudulent but is a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary panic among prospective candidates for their own selfish ends.

“It should be noted that the commencement of the sale of the Board’s application documents in any given year has never been shrouded in mystery rather it is always a well-publicised undertaking in the print media as well as online and electronic platforms.

“Although the Board has concluded all arrangements to commence the sale of the 2022 UTME/DE Application Documents in due course it is yet to fix any date for its commencement.

“The general public is, therefore, by this notice urged to be mindful of speculators who are in the habit of second-guessing the Board’s on certain procedural issues with the aim of defrauding hapless candidates.

“The Board wishes to inform the general public that they would be sufficiently informed of the commencement of the sale of EPINs once approval has been granted by relevant authorities.

“Furthermore, the announcement of a suitable date to commence the sale would be accompanied by well-defined information on the procedures for the purchase of the e-pins, creating a profile, and where to go for biometric capturing, among other essential details.”

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School resumption: Lagos frowns at non-compliance

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The Lagos State Government has expressed displeasure at the non-compliance of schools towards the resumption date given by the government.

Although it is three days after official resumption of schools, it has been noticed that some private schools are still on holiday, while attendance has not peaked in those which have resumed.

The Director General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA, Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, who led a team to monitor compliance with the resumption in some parts of Lagos, said it was unfortunate that some schools have refused to implement the harmonised academic calendar.

She urged parents to encourage their children to go back to school on time.

“It is part of our duties that we have a harmonised school calendar developed in conjunction with all of our stakeholders and that was done last June after a series of meetings with all stakeholders. The calendar was published last July and sent to all appropriate quarters.

“We noticed that some did not comply with the calendar last term when we were to have the mid-term break. With this COVID-19 issue, we need to make maximum use of the time we have to teach our children. Going round today, the compliance level could be better. We are not relenting on sensitising stakeholders,” she said.

When asked what would happen to schools that have not resumed, Seriki-Ayeni said, ” We sealed such schools with stickers indicating that they did not comply with the resumption guideline. We also gave them letters containing what the next line of action would be. However, our main aim is to let everybody understand the importance of having a strong start whenever the term begins.

“Whoever does not start well and strongly may have suffered a setback. We should go for the best for our children. School owners should also communicate appropriately with parents on the need for their children to be in school all the time.”

Out of the eight private schools visited by the team in Ajegunle, Amukoko and Ijora areas, only two have resumed though the turnout of students was poor.

Seriki-Ayeni also visited the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle where she met teachers and students and went round some of the classes.

It is pertinent to recall that last Friday, the state government announced Tuesday, January 4 as the resumption date for the second term of the 2021/2022 academic session.

The Christmas and New Year holiday period, however, affected attendance in schools as many people travelled during the yuletide period.

Kaduna shuts two schools over alleged rape, impregnating of minors

Kaduna shuts two schools over alleged rape, impregnating of minors

Kaduna shuts two schools over alleged rape, impregnating of minors
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The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQA) on Friday, has closed two Islamiyah schools indefinitely over alleged rape of a six-year-old girl and impregnating of another.

One of the schools, Madrasatul Ulumul Deeniya wa Tahfizul Qur’an, located in Rigasa, was shut down after a six-year-old girl was allegedly raped in the school premises. 

The other Islamiyah school, located at Tsohon Masallacin Juma’a in Kachia, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State was closed after a 12-year-old girl was allegedly impregnated by a 50-year-old teacher at the school.

The school in Rigasa was shut down by the Overseer of the KSSQA, Mr Idris Aliyu. He revealed that the six-year-old girl was raped in the school and the school authority covered it up and claimed ignorance of the incident.

According to Aliyu, the victim’s grandmother complained about the incident to the school authority but ended up being beaten by the students and teachers of the Islamiyah.

He also said that Governor Nasir El-Rufai had given orders for the Islamiyah to be shut down indefinitely until investigation is concluded and the culprit arrested.

“The headmaster of the school would be held responsible for the act until all persons in the school were profiled and the perpetrator identified by the survivor and prosecuted,” he said. 

“The individuals responsible for the violence against the grandmother, especially the headmaster, will also be prosecuted.”

“This is in line with the state government’s responsibility in protecting the vulnerable population in the state,” he said.

However, on his part, the head-teacher of the school, Malam Kabir Abdullahi, has denied the allegation, saying “it is not a rape. What we gathered is that an unidentified boy injured the girl in her private part with a stick.”

Abdullahi said that the case was currently under investigation by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Rigasa, ASP Abubakar Bauranya.

The DPO confirmed receiving the case the way it was narrated by the headteacher of the Islamiyah school. 

But the grandmother of the girl, Hajiya Batul Gambo insisted that her grandchild was violated and had been confirmed by Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada, Kaduna.

A medical report signed by Dr A Raji also backed Gambo’s claim that the six-year-old was raped.  

According to Raji’s report, she was bleeding due to “virginal bruising of the labia minora, bilaterally periurethral bruising, heamatoma of the clitoris and laceration of the hymen.”

Concerning the rape and impregnation of the 12-year-old girl in Kachia, Aliyu said that the she was six months pregnant. 
The school was shut down as well, as the safety of the pupils cannot be guaranteed.

He explained that the Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba and the Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Halima Lawal would work closely with the police to investigate and ensure justice is done. 

“Meanwhile, the two schools will remain closed until investigations are concluded and the culprit prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

Doctor arrested in Delta Over Alleged Rape Of Housemaid

Plateau varsity ASUU goes on indefinite strike

Plateau varsity ASUU goes on indefinite strike
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The Plateau State University chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has commenced an indefinite strike, as it demands welfare and working environment.

In a statement jointly issued yesterday in Jos by the Chairperson and Secretary,   Dr. Hassan Zitta  and  Deme Bitrus,   respectively, ASUU said it made the decision to embark on the strike at its Congress held on Monday, December 20.

It complained that Plateau government had not kept to its agreement with the union, hence the decision for the strike

Issues bothering the institution bordered around insecurity and non-payment of earned allowances.

The union complained of paucity of accommodation for both students and staff and said government needed to construct more lectures halls, among others.

“At our congress held on Monday, Dec. 20, members reviewed the level of implementation of Plateau State Government/ASUU-PLASU agreement.

The congress, the statement said, resolved that the state government having signed an agreement with the Union on March 2, 2021 has not kept faith with the document. :

It said government had failed to “address security concerns by deploying the services of armed Civil Defence Corps”.

Also, the Plateau government had not located a functional police outpost in the university host community, just as it had been unable to settle the national minimum wage arrears within the first quarter of 2021.

The union accused the government of failing to immediately release the N70 million that was to be part payment of the first tranche of earned academic allowance arrears.

ASUU said as at the time of its congress, the second tranche of N72 million in October, 2021 was already long overdue.

The government was also accused of failing to complete the payment of mainstreamed earned academic allowances for the 2019/2020, among others.

UNICAL suspends female Law student over alleged theft

UNICAL suspends female Law student over alleged theft

UNICAL suspends female Law student over alleged theft
| anaben

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has addressed a letter of suspension to a female student of the Faculty of Law of the institution over alleged theft.

The suspension was conveyed in a letter signed on Tuesday in Calabar by the Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, and addressed to the student.

It was stated in the letter that the suspension came after a report received by the Vice Chancellor on Nov. 23, that the student allegedly sneaked into Room 102 of the female hostel and made away with an iPhone XS.

The letter also revealed that the student denied the allegation at first but later up to it, and produced the phone from her residence in Calabar Municipality.

“The Vice Chancellor, according to the letter, expressed her displeasure with the act of illegality and has approved her suspension from studies to allow for full-scale investigation into the matter,” the letter read.


The student was warned to keep away from all academic activities as from the first semester of the 2022/2023 academic session.

She was to make herself available before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee whenever she is invited to defend herself.

“The Dean of the Faculty of Law and other relevant authorities, according to the letter, are to ensure full compliance with this directive,” the letter added.

SHOCKING: Singer Davido Reveals Names Of Alleged Murderers Of Dowen Student Sylvester

No one involved in Oromoni killing will be spared, Buhari assures

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Condemning the killing of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a student of Dowen College in Lagos, President Muhammadu Buhari, insisted that the deceased’s murderers must not go unpunished.

President Buhari said Sylvester was a bright youngster whose life was cut short as he was doing excellently and bringing joy to his family. He said the sad incident would lead to a permanent solution to cultism and bullying in schools.

The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, condoled with the family of the late lad and the Lagos State Government.

The statement read, “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 also encouraged the Police to not relent on 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.

SHOCKING: Singer Davido Reveals Names Of Alleged Murderers Of Dowen Student Sylvester

Dowen College: 5 arrested students remanded in juvenile home

Family Of Late Sylvester Oromoni Kicks Against N1million Bail Granted To Suspects
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Five students of Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos, were arrested and have been remanded in a juvenile home. They were allegedly involved in the murder of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.

Sylvester had did last week, after being severely injured by five of his senior colleagues for refusing to join a cult group in school.

It was gathered that the Yaba Magistrates court had ordered that the students be remanded.

The spokesperson of Lagos State Police Command, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the development but added that investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

Ajisebutu said: “They have not been arraigned yet. They were only remanded in a juvenile home pending the conclusion of investigation into the matter.”

SHOCKING: Singer Davido Reveals Names Of Alleged Murderers Of Dowen Student Sylvester

140,000 People Sign 2 Petitions Over Death of Dowen Student, Sylvester

Family Of Late Sylvester Oromoni Kicks Against N1million Bail Granted To Suspects
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Over 140,000 people have signed two petitions on change.org over the murder of 12-year old Sylvester, a student of Down college. They demanded the swift prosecution of those responsible for the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

The petitions were started by Timi Oromoni Fabunmi, a relation of the deceased, and Irade foundation.

The petition by the latter was directed to Hakeem Odumosu, commissioner of Police in Lagos State.


Both petitions have been drawing numbers, indicating the public interest in the gruesome death of Oromoni, a boarding student who had met his death on 30th November.


His death enraged the public and the school was shut down by the Lagos State Government last Friday.


The first petition started by a family member of the deceased, Timi Oromoni Fabunmi, on Friday, is titled, ‘Justice For Sylvester Oromoni Jnr’.

The petition has attracted over 77,200 signatures as of 5.00 p.m. on Sunday.

The petition reads:

“On Tuesday 30/11/2021 we lost our brother 12 years old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. He was a son, grandson, brother, cousin, uncle to his little nieces, he was a friend , he meant everything to us and Yes he was only a child an innocent child . He was taken from us from in the most gruesome of manner beaten by senior 5 boys in his hostel in Dowen College lekki Lagos state. He was tortured by these boys in his school and compelled to silence otherwise they threatened to kill him.

This torture and beatings lead to injuries unimaginable and the school authorities without proper duty of care took his agony at face value and claimed he had a fall playing soccer. Without proper investigation or care they called his parents to pick him up. The family upon seeing their once healthy vibrant child knew this pains and injuries were beyond a domestic fall. The child could barely articulate words and move without these heart wrenching painful sounds.


Sylvester Jnr reported to the family he did not fall as alleged by the school. He said he was beaten and tortured by 5 senior students and mentioned their names. The students are from influential families and the school is trying to bury the case.
Sign and help us find justice for Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. It’s our fight he could be your son , your brother, your cousin. #justiceforsylvester.”

The second petition which was tendered by The Irede Foundation was titled, ‘We Want Justice For Sylvester’ has attracted over 65,000 signatures by 4.30 p.m. It aims at getting 75,000 signatories.

“#JusticeForSylvester: How did 12-year-old student Sylvester Oromoni die?

The death of a 12-year-old student, Sylvester Oromoni, of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, sparked outrage online when it was learned that he was allegedly bullied and beaten to death by other students at the boarding school. A viral video shared by the family has shown how Sylvester was writhing in pain while bleeding from his mouth. His lips appeared swollen and his teeth looked broken.

According to one of his relatives, the deceased mentioned the names of five persons, whom he said were allegedly responsible for his injuries before he finally died on Tuesday 30.11.2021.

In its response the student’s death, the Dowen College school’s authorities in a statement claimed the deceased sustained injuries while playing football and was given immediate medical attention by the school’s resident nurse. The school denied that Sylvester had been bullied or attacked by some students in the school and said it had carried out a preliminary investigation, where it’s officials claimed that there was no case of bullying, adding that it has policies that are strongly anti-cultism.

The deceased, according to his parents in media reports had also alleged that he was given a substance to drink by the ‘bullies’.

The efforts by the school’s administrators are not enough and authorities are silent. Investigations must be done to discover what really happened to Sylvester.

  1. Did the school do enough to protect Sylvester?
  2. How were the injuries that led to his death sustained?
  3. Was the school negligent in protecting its students?

There are so many questions and not enough answers.

We need the police to act immediately and investigate the circumstances and events that led to his death. We’re asking the Lagos Commissioner for Education, Folashade Adefisayo and officials of the Lagos State Universal Education Board, and the Federal Ministry of Education to probe allegations of bullying and negligence?

We’re asking for a thorough and transparent investigation and prosecution of those found to be culpable in this tragic incident.

Social protection is particularly important for children, in view of this crime, we also throw in our concern for children with disabilities to ensure the protection of children is inclusive of them.

Justice must be served and seen to be served for 12 year old Sylvester and his family.”

Regina Daniels reacts to the murder of the twelve year old Dowen student

SS3 student beats teacher to death, declared wanted