Absence of late Sylvester Oromoni’s family stalls Inquest

Again, proceedings slated to hold at the coroner inquest sitting in Ikeja, seeking to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of a student of Dowen College, Sylvester Oromoni failed to hold on Monday.

This followed the non-appearance of two witnesses – the deceased’s father, Mr Sylvester Oromoni Snr. and his sister.

The reason for their inability to appear before the Coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri is attributed to ill health, counsel to the Oromoni’s, Mr Andrew Efole informed the court.

He said: “The girl who ought to testify is sick, the father who ought to be here is attending to the child who is receiving treatment.”

He added to the prompting of the coroner about the whereabouts of the deceased’s mother: “The mother is not strong now for the things she is going through.”

Earlier, counsel to Dowen College, Anthony Okpoko expressed dissatisfaction at the interview granted by Sylvester Oromoni Snr. published today, in contrast to the restraining order by the court to all parties from making comments to the press.

Okpoko also said he is not happy that another relative of the deceased, Perri Oromoni has been tweeting in respect of the matter.

He pointedly told the court, “This is a breach.”

Magistrate Kadiri in response reiterated his order and said he might have to issue a summon on the said relative.

According to him, “Why has he single-handedly decided to be the coroner?” Magistrate Kadiri asked.

Meanwhile, counsel to the deceased family Mr Efole apologised and told the court: “We are not saying we will not call our witnesses… another witness, we are taking is coming tomorrow.”

The Lagos State Counsel, A.A George urged the court to apply Coroner System Law: Section 48(10) which states “Any person whose act or conduct contravenes any of the provisions of this law where no penalty is specified, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to (two) 2 years’ imprisonment.

The coroner having heard submissions of the counsel in respect of witnesses non-appearance on two consecutive times; last Friday and Monday, the Coroner is worried that it appears that the party who requested for the inquest is now stalling it.

Further hearing continues on February 1, 2022.