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

Published

5 years ago

January 8, 2022

Sylvester Oromoni

• No evidence Sylvester was tortured, bullied – Lagos CP

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

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

Sylvester’s 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.

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.

Five students and five employees of the school were arrested by the police but legal advice by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Adetutu Oshinusi, cleared the suspects.

The autopsy carried out by a consultant pathologist at the Central Hospital Warri, Clement Vhriterhire, revealed 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 attributed the cause of death to “Septicaemia, lobar pneumonia with acute pyelonephritis and pyomyositis of the right ankle.”

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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 kicked against 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.”

Speaking to our correspondent on Friday the father said the case had yet to have a closure, insisting that his son would not be buried 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.”

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, during 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 said 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.

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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 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 agreed 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, were 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.”

Punch

Related Topics:bury Featured justice Sylvester

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metro

Oyo Kidnapping Murders: Ansaru Suspects Push Back in Court, Demand Private Lawyer Before Facing Fresh Charges

Published

4 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

Oyo Kidnapping Murders: Ansaru Suspects Push Back in Court, Demand Private Lawyer Before Facing Fresh Charges

A planned judicial showdown over a deadly school raid in Oyo State took an unexpected turn Wednesday when five accused Ansaru militants refused government legal aid, forcing a 24-hour delay in their trial.

The suspects, identified under several battlefield aliases including Abu Bara’a, Isah Adam, Abu Khalifa, Abu Yunusa Bin Musa, and Abu Itisar, stand accused of orchestrating the May 15 terror raid in Oriire, where pupils and their teachers were seized, and two captives were murdered.

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When the Federal High Court prepared to read the DSS’s amended six-count charge sheet, court-appointed counsel Akilaluyel Shettima stood to represent the men. However, lead defendant Mahmud Muhammad abruptly interjected, informing Justice Salim Ibrahim that the group would not proceed without their chosen attorney, Bala Dakum.

Rather than force the arraignment, government prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, conceded the point on fundamental rights grounds, affirming that a defendant’s choice of legal defense remains a non-negotiable constitutional protection.

Following the concession, Justice Ibrahim adjourned the session until September 17, ordering the secret police to provide the five men immediate access to Dakum so their defense can be finalized ahead of the fresh plea.

Oyo Kidnapping Murders: Ansaru Suspects Push Back in Court, Demand Private Lawyer Before Facing Fresh Charges

metro

Benue: Two Police Officers Killed as Gunmen Ambush DPO’s Convoy in Ayilamo

Published

4 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu

Benue: Two Police Officers Killed as Gunmen Ambush DPO’s Convoy in Ayilamo

Two newly deployed Mobile Police officers have been killed after suspected armed herders ambushed the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo Police Division in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred at about 6pm on Monday, September 14, 2026, as the DPO was returning to Ayilamo from Makurdi, where he had travelled on official duty.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that two officers in the DPO’s entourage were killed in the ambush. Their identities had not been publicly released as of the latest reports.

The latest incident occurred just four days after another deadly attack on Ayilamo in which four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians were killed, according to the police.

The earlier attack began at about 6:12pm on Thursday, September 10, when suspected armed bandits invaded the community. Police Mobile Force personnel, tactical teams and conventional police officers responded and engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours.

The police said the security personnel eventually repelled the attackers, forcing them to withdraw into surrounding forests in the early hours of September 11. The bodies of the four slain officers and seven civilians were subsequently recovered.

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The four officers killed in that earlier attack were identified as Paul Ina, Mohammed Yusuf, Oge Ikechukwu and Edeh Andrew.

Residents gave a different account of the attackers, with some alleging that a large number of suspected armed herders entered the community from the direction of Alufu Road in neighbouring Taraba State. They also reported shootings and the burning of houses during the assault.

The police, however, have generally referred to the attackers as suspected armed bandits, while the identities and affiliations of those responsible have not been conclusively established.

The latest ambush brings the number of police officers killed in attacks around Ayilamo within four days to six, based on the police-confirmed casualties from the two incidents.

Residents have expressed concern over the presence of armed men in forests and abandoned settlements around Tombo Council Ward, where Ayilamo is located.

The repeated violence has renewed concerns about the safety of residents and security personnel in Logo Local Government Area, particularly communities located close to forested areas and routes vulnerable to armed ambushes.

The Ayilamo Police Station was upgraded to a divisional headquarters in August 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen police response in vulnerable communities across Benue.

Despite the upgrade and increased security presence, Ayilamo has continued to experience deadly attacks, highlighting the security challenges confronting communities in the area.

The Benue Police Command had earlier announced the deployment of additional tactical personnel following the September 10 attack. The command also said it was working with other security agencies to strengthen operations and protect residents in affected communities.

There was also a development concerning the welfare of police families following the recent deaths.

On Tuesday, September 15, the Benue State Police Command presented insurance cheques to families of police officers who had died in the line of duty.

Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu, while presenting the cheques in Makurdi, conveyed the condolences of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to the bereaved families.

He said the financial benefits could not replace the lives lost but were intended to provide some relief and support, particularly for the welfare of the officers’ children.

Meanwhile, authorities have not publicly announced the identities of those responsible for the latest ambush or disclosed arrests directly connected to the September 14 attack.

There have, however, been arrests linked to the earlier September 10 Ayilamo attack. Governor Hyacinth Alia recently commended the Department of State Services (DSS) over the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected with that attack.

The arrests relate to the earlier incident and do not by themselves establish that the same suspects carried out the latest ambush.

The two attacks within four days have increased pressure on security agencies to intensify surveillance and operations around Ayilamo and surrounding forested areas.

The latest killings have also highlighted the risks faced by police officers deployed to conflict-prone and remote communities, where armed groups can exploit difficult terrain and isolated settlements.

The investigation into the latest Benue attack is expected to focus on identifying the attackers, establishing how the DPO’s convoy was ambushed and preventing further attacks on security personnel and civilians in Logo LGA.

Benue: Two Police Officers Killed as Gunmen Ambush DPO’s Convoy in Ayilamo

International

Pope Leo XIV Warns Against Letting AI Make Human Decisions

Published

5 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

Pope Leo XIV Warns Against Letting AI Make Human Decisions

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has prompted a fresh warning from Pope Leo XIV, who says some decisions should never be handed over to algorithms.

The Pope made the remarks at his weekly audience in St Peter’s Square, where he addressed thousands of faithful and reflected on the impact of technology on modern human interaction.

While acknowledging that AI, social media and other forms of technological development can reduce barriers and connect people across great distances, he said they also carry a risk of making human relationships increasingly virtual.

His particular concern was the possibility that society could become accustomed to allowing algorithms to determine matters that should instead be guided by human conscience.

“Ensuring that social relationships have real substance and personal depth” is one way the Christian community seeks to respond to this challenge, he said.

The comments come amid broader concerns about the direction of AI development. Recent security incidents, along with the growing ability of some AI systems to improve their own performance without human intervention, have intensified debate about the technology.

Another major question is whether companies and organisations within the AI sector are capable of regulating themselves effectively as the technology becomes more powerful.

The Pope has previously made AI a major focus of his public interventions. His first major document, the May encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”, urged efforts to prevent AI from becoming a force that dominates humanity.

The Holy See has also become more active in calls for international rules governing AI, grounding its position in the protection of human dignity. Its initiatives have extended to discussions involving nuclear technology, culture and artistic creation.

The latest warning places the Vatican’s concerns within a wider debate over how humanity should balance the benefits of increasingly powerful AI with the need to keep important decisions under human control.