The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, says there is no evidence to establish that 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni (Junior), a pupil of the Dowen College, Lekki, was forced to join cult or bullied to death.
The CP stated this at a press conference today while giving an update on the investigation into the cause of the death of the late student.
He, however, warned against further protests at Dowen College.
The warning came after some Ijaw youths protested in front of the school yesterday to express their displeasure at the state government’s clearing of five students and five officials linked to the death of complicity.
Odumosu said, “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’s died under controversial circumstances in November 2021 and his death went viral following a social media post by his cousin, Perry Oromoni, who alleged that some senior pupils of the school beat him up in his hostel because he refused to join a cult.
But the school denied the claim, stating that the boy complained of leg pains following an injury he sustained while playing football.
The state government ordered the indefinite closure of the school pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter.
Read also: Oromoni: Police warn against protest, say no proof of bully
The Police boss added, ” In spite of the transparent investigation carried out by the police and the non-establishment of prima facie case against the suspects, some members of the Ijaw Youths Council, Lagos led by one Comrade Henry Oyobolo protested in front of Dowen College for over two hours yesterday 6th January 2022. The protesters including masquerades carried placards and were drumming, thereby causing panic and apprehension.
“The protesters who conducted themselves in a manner capable of causing breach of peace also caused temporary traffic jam. But for the professional way the police managed the protest, it would have led to violence.
“Much as we commiserate with the bereaved family on the death of their lovely and promising child, it is advised that the protesters and other individuals or groups who are still aggrieved should go to law court to seek redress instead of taking the law into their own hands.”
