Sylvester’s torturers won’t escape justice – Father of late Dowen College pupil – Newstrends
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Sylvester’s torturers won’t escape justice – Father of late Dowen College pupil

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Sylvester Oromimi Jnr

Delta-based businessman, Sylvester Oromimi, lost his son, Sylvester Jnr, after some senior students at the Dowen College, Lagos, allegedly tortured him. He tells GODFREY GEORGE how the family is coping after the death of the 12-year-old and their search for justice

Please briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Mr Slyvester Oromimi. I am a businessman. I am from Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. I am Ijaw by tribe.

Your 12-year-old son reportedly died after being allegedly tortured by his seniors in a boarding school. Can you give us an account of what really happened?

My late son’s name is Sylvester Oromimi Jnr. I gave him my name. Sometime in October this year, my son complained that they (school authorities) put the senior and the junior students in one room. So, these senior boys, whom he shared a room with, would harass him and physically assault him. Each time I gave him money for upkeep – most times, N60,000 – it would not last up to a week. He would call home and start crying that he was hungry and needed more money. I was no longer comfortable. ‘What is really happening to this boy in that school?’ I kept wondering. When I asked him, he refused to say anything. He always acted like he was being threatened not to talk. We kept on buying more provisions. They would steal his clothes and his money. He started keeping his money with his hostel master, one Mr Ahmed.

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Another time, these senior students cornered him and asked if he had seen the private parts of his elder sister who had just passed out of the school. They told him to describe what her private parts looked like. He said he had not seen that before and could not give any description. They started to torture him. When the beating became too much, he then said that he had seen the sister’s private parts, so they would stop beating him. Those were the first instances.

When this incident happened, did he report to the school authorities?

He first told his younger sister (also a student in the school) about it. The younger sister then called her elder sister, who had just passed out of the school, and reported that Sylvester was behaving funny and it seemed like some people were beginning to influence him. So, the elder sister called him and scolded him, wanting to hear his own side of the story. He told the sister that they beat him. She asked, “Who are ‘they’?” He mentioned their names. He said that was the reason he said he saw her nakedness so that they would stop beating him.

News had filtered around the school that Sylvester said he had seen his sister’s private parts and all that. It was really embarrassing, which was why the elder sister called a relative who went to the school on the day of a midterm break. When the relative picked Sylvester up, she found out from their conversation that some seniors had beaten him up. But when the elder sister was there, we didn’t get any such reports of beatings.

Before now, there was an incident that happened involving one of the boys in this latest incident. The incident happened before the elder sister finished from the school. She was the one who told me about it.  It was a minor senior-junior case. You know some of these people can be very power-drunk; the fact that they are seniors gets into their heads and messes them up. The Michael boy was in SS1 then. This Michael and his group had wanted to harass Sylvester but some of the classmates of the elder sister saved him. Maybe, after the elder finally passed out of the school, these boys felt it was their time for revenge on Sylvester.

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Did you report this to the school?

Yes, we did. We called the guardian, Mr Ahmed, first to ask him how come he was unaware of all of the things that happened to my son. The school’s response was that they had suspended these seniors who bullied Sylvester. So, we let the matter rest. We didn’t ask again because we thought that was the appropriate treatment.

What happened next?

Sylvester went back to school, and the school authorities moved him from that hostel because of that complaint. So, he was not staying with those senior boys again. The incident that finally led to his demise began on Monday (November 22). The school’s sickbay (manager) called my wife that Sylvester was not feeling well, that he couldn’t sleep throughout the night. They asked that she should come and pick him up. When she asked them what happened, they said, “He said he fell. He said he was playing football and fell.” We don’t know how this happened till today.

They said it was Sylvester that told them that he was playing football at the basketball court and fell. We later learnt that the school did not have a proper field, so students play soccer on the basketball court.

The first thing he (Sylvester) told us was that someone ‘kicked his leg’ when he was playing. All these things he was telling us, he did so, as we later learnt, because he was scared of those senior students, who had threatened to kill him if he told his parents or the school authorities what really transpired.

When did your wife go to pick him up?

By the time they called that Monday it was already late for my wife to travel to Lagos, so we told the school that a friend of the family would come to pick him up. The following day, the family friend, a young man, went to pick him up and when he saw Sylvester, he was surprised. He quickly called us and told us that our son could not walk, that if they touched him, he would shout in pain. His lips had also begun to peel. The pictures are everywhere.

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Initially, we thought it was fever or malaria since we hadn’t seen him physically as we were still in Delta State. He was taken for an X-ray because he could not walk. On Wednesday, one of my older sons went from Warri to join them in Lagos to really ascertain what the situation was. It was when he got there that he realised that it was serious and requested that I join them in Lagos.

I was in Asaba at the time and it was already late that day, so I joined them the following day, which was Thursday. When I saw Sylvester, as a father, I couldn’t bear it; I asked if I could move him to Warri for proper treatment. I asked him to tell me what had happened, Sylvester kept saying, “I fell!”

But before he could even manage to say that he would tremble. I knew that was not his real self; something was not right about him. He was being threatened.  He couldn’t move; he couldn’t eat. We had to assist him to the toilet. Any part of his body you touched, he would shout.

Since there was no flight that day, we had to go by the road. That was Friday. I called a masseur to check him up, but that one said there were no dislocations. But my son’s waist and ribs were physically swollen. His chest and shoulders were also swollen. When we got to the hospital and the doctor took a sample, he said Sylvester was having fever and malaria. But my son kept shouting, “My throat! My throat!”

We treated him for malaria till Sunday but he still couldn’t walk, sleep or eat. It was the drip they gave him that sustained him for those days. On Monday, it became so severe between of 11pm and 12pm. That was when he opened up to us. He said he was scared, that the senior boys had threatened to kill him if he exposed them.

Sylvester said he was in his room one night and some five senior boys entered the room and put off the light.  He said they beat him with a belt and kicked him till he fell to the ground. When he did, they continued to torture him. After the beating, they forced him to drink something and he did. He couldn’t explain what it was. This explains the peeling of his mouth.

What did you do next?

We had to take him for a scan and another X-ray which showed that he had a swollen liver and some of his internal organs were also swollen. The next day, I took him to the teaching hospital. Before we got to Warri, he had given up the ghost. So, we couldn’t take him to the hospital again.

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Did he mention the names of these boys before his death?

Yes, he did.

Did you take this up with the school?

My eldest son who is abroad contacted the school immediately to register his complaint. He called Mr Ahmed, and he said Ahmed was crying. They took the phone to the principal of the school and mentioned that he wanted to speak to those boys. He was then questioning them, and since it was a video call, he was able to capture their faces in a screenshot.

What was the response of the school?

They called the boys to question them and they gave the same lie my son had been telling before his passing – he fell. The school chose to believe these lies without due investigation. You must have seen their press statement. That is what they maintained until we started sending out these videos and pictures we made of Sylvester when we saw him. The principal called me, asking why I was sending out these pictures all over social media. The Lagos State Government also asked about the videos and we sent them. The boys still refuse to say the truth even in the face of striking evidence.

I heard one of them jumped over the fence yesterday (Thursday). The other boy’s parents, as I heard, came in with a very long convoy around 5am and took him away. The boy carried all his things and joined his parents, who were waiting in the car. I don’t know how true that is, but that was the information my sources fed me with. They feel they are big men. The school authorities would provide them when the time comes. They should keep running. After killing my son, they want to run away. I am just thankful that my son, before he gave up the ghost, mentioned their names. If they allow them to escape, this means they are encouraging that kind of nonsense in their school.

What are your demands?

I want justice. They should invite those boys. They should invite the school authorities. The government should question them and take action.

The Lagos State Government ordered the closure of the school on Friday. How does this make you feel?

I feel happy because that is the first thing to be done as there are other innocent people’s children in that place. If anything happens to those children, I won’t be happy. That I lost my own son does not mean that other people should die. It is also good that they have ordered a probe into the incident to ascertain what really went wrong.

How best would you describe your son?

My son was a very decent boy from a deeply-rooted Christian background. He was not the first child that I sent to Dowen College, Lagos. I had four of them attend that school of which two had finished. The very first one who left is presently abroad. The other one just sat this last WASSCE and she’s here with me. The other one should be in SS1. I asked that he be withdrawn from the school two days ago. Sylvester was the last boy.

How is your wife taking all of this?

She can hear you but she is almost crying. All of us couldn’t sleep. We had to take sleeping pills before we could sleep last night. It has been a really tough time for the family. That boy was our star and light, such a lovely young boy. When I look at the picture I took with him just two months ago when my daughter graduated, it breaks me.

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Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

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Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

A senior judicial officer in Rivers State, Chief Magistrate K.E. George, has tendered his resignation in protest against the ongoing emergency administration imposed on the state.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, George announced his voluntary retirement, citing the appointment of a “quasi-military administration” as the primary reason for his decision.

“This type of governance system is not only alien but also runs against the hallowed principles of the legal profession,” he wrote.

George, who served the judiciary for 16 years, said continuing in his role under the current political arrangement would imply tacit approval of the emergency governance structure.

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President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance and political instability. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator for six months to oversee the state’s affairs.

Since assuming office, Ibas has suspended several state officials and initiated new appointments across various institutions—a development that has stirred legal controversy.

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

The Abuja-Kaduna expressway, whose construction was long abandoned, has been re-awarded at the cost of N777 billion.

Flagging off the road at the weekend, the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), is vital to the socio-economic life of northern Nigeria.

He noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunted economic growth.

Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched, helplessly, as its condition worsened over the years.

According to him, the road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.

“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region,” he further explained.

The governor recalled that he had pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several town hall meetings, and engaging directly with the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari.

“In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him. Mr President not only gave me a listening ear, but he also gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay,” he said.

According to him, one of the reasons that the former contractor gave for not completing the project, apart from funding, was the insecurity that was prevailing along the corridor at that time.

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Uba Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day or night without the fear of being attacked, kidnapped or killed.

He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

The governor also disclosed that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna town.

In a statement, the Minister of Works, Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre expressway would be completed within 14 months with continuous reinforced concrete-pavement (CRCP).

He stated that the road’s standard will be like that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The governor revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job.”

Umahi also disclosed that the president has directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and close-circuit TV surveillance throughout its stretch.

The minister further stated that President Tinubu has awarded the completion of the remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that “30 percent of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.

“Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometres at a total cost of N525 billion.

“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constructing roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” he emphasised.

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He commended Uba Sani for his relentless efforts towards ensuring that the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the president and the APC.”

Also, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, appreciated Tinubu for his people-orientated leadership and infrastructural interventions across the length and breadth of the country.

“We see your numerous achievements, especially infrastructure from Illela-Sokoto to Lagos-Badagry. You have redefined road construction in Nigeria through the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model,” he said.

Also, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, the Director, Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Engineer Clement Ogbuagu, drummed up the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the corridors of the road, to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.

“Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward as the government determines the well-being of its citizens. He urged the company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success,” he added.

In his remarks, the former Senator of Kaduna South, Danjuma La’al, commended the Federal Government’s efforts at infrastructural development in the state.

 

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

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Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala

Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

Daniel Bwala, the special adviser on policy communications to President Bola Tinubu, has said some social media users commenting on national issues in Nigeria may have some form of mental health challenges.

Mr Bwala stated during an interview on Channels TV while responding to social media speculations that Mr Tinubu’s recent visit to France was for medical reasons.

He, however, said that contrary to the speculations, Mr Tinubu is not in France for medical treatment but for a working visit.

“Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting; you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health somewhere. You just see that information is coming out.

“The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities,” he added.

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The presidential aide also took a swipe at the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, for his constant criticism of the Tinubu administration.

He said Mr Ndume has no tangible achievement to show for his over two decades at the National Assembly.

Mr Bwala also urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress to be wary of the lawmaker, alleging that his soul and spirits are already with the opposition.

“Let me tell you today, and I want everybody to hear, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje. Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going.

“It is better the way [Nasir] El-Rufai did: just say I am leaving. You’d give more honour and credit to El-Rufai that he didn’t feel he could stay and be a snitch,” he added.

 

Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

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