Oromoni Inquest Resumes As Groups Demand Speedy Justice

The inquest on Sylvester Oromoni's death has resumed, new reports have shown.

This is because the Ikeja magistrates’ court handling the inquisition into the death of Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College in Lagos state, has resumed its sitting.

According to NAN, the sitting resumed on Tuesday but was held behind closed doors as only a few relations were allowed in.

Oromoni died in November 2021 after he was alleged to have been bullied and beaten by five of his colleagues.

His father had claimed he was attacked and fed a chemical.

But Dowen College dismissed the claim, alleging that the boy sustained injuries while playing football with his friends.

The case has been under a coroner’s inquiry, with the student’s family vowing to pursue the matter up to the apex court.

The resumed sitting comes as several groups demanded a speedy inquest “in the interest of justice”.

Speaking with NAN after the latest sitting, Regent Youmor, coordinator of Justice for Oromoni, called on the judiciary to ensure that the late student’s case was expeditiously concluded.

He begged that the case should be quickly heard to ensure quick dispensation of justice.

“To the layman, it will look like justice delayed if the case drags. This is a national issue; it is not ethnic and not solely legal. It is more of traditional and moral,” he said.

On his part, Ebitimi Dio-Posibi, chairman of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Lagos chapter, said his group would appreciate it if judgement was delivered “as fast as possible”.

“That Oromoni has not been buried a year after his demise is against the customs and traditions of the Ijaw people, particularly as he was just a child,” he said.

Also speaking, Winifred Ibitaka, vice chairperson of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), said she was not happy that the case was “taking time”.

Ibitaka emphasised the need for justice to be delivered on time “so that the boy can be buried”.