News

Oromoni Jr. Died While We Were Investigating Bullying Allegation – Dowen College Principal

Published

3 years ago

Mar 2, 2022.

The 12-year-old’s death had sparked outrage especially as his parent alleged a cover-up and connivance by Dowen College management and the Lagos State Police Command
Sylvester Oromoni died last year after he was allegedly bullied by some senior boys in the school dormitory

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Principal of Dowen College, Lagos, Adebisi Layiwola has told a coroners inquest that the school was in the process of investigating an allegation that Sylvester Oromoni Jnr was bullied when it got the news of his death.

The principal gave this testimony on Tuesday at the proceedings to unravel the circumstances behind the controversial death of the 12 year old student.

Mrs Layiwola who was testifying as the 10th witness in the proceedings said she has been the principal of the school for the last four years.

According to her, “When the uncle of the deceased came to the school, we were still in the process of the investigation. He received a call from the sister of the deceased in my presence, that the deceased’s case had taken a bad turn. It was not long after, he received another call that the boy had passed on,” she said.

At this point in her testimony, the Dowen College principal broke down in tears and the coroner ordered a 10-minute break to allow her regain her composure and continue with her testimony.

While answering questions during cross-examination by counsel to the Oromoni family, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, the principal testified that there was no cult in the school .

“On the cult allegation, there is no cult in the school. In October, I was informed that the deceased was told to describe the nudity of his sister by some students.

“We called the students who were involved but we did not really talk to them about being in a cult. We spoke to them on the issue of bullying. We also set up a panel to investigate and make recommendations.”

“Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the boy in question was given an internal suspension, for two weeks.

“He was made to apologise to the sister and the deceased. He also went for counselling,” the Dowen College principal said.

Mr Falana also asked if the witness was aware that some parents had withdrawn their children from the school because of bullying allegations.

“No. I cannot remember,” the Dowen College principal replied.

When asked if she was aware that a parent came to Maroko Police Station to complain that her son was bullied.

She said: “Yes it is true. The boy has been withdrawn after Sylvester’s case, and the boy that bullied him was expelled after the death of the deceased.”

“In your school, do you have PTA?” Mr Falana asked.

“No, we have a parents’ forum,” she replied.

“Has the forum ever discussed allegations of bullying in the association? The lawyer asked.

“I cannot remember, no,” she replied.

Do you have a CCTV camera in your school?

“We have now,” she replied.

“Was it after the death of the deceased?

Yes, came the reply.

The Dowen College principal also testified that she did not see the deceased until November 23, 2021, adding that the condition of his health necessitated his admission at the school’s sick bay, with medical personnel treating him.

Click to watch our video of the week