#Justiceforsylvester: 5 children and 3 house parents have been remanded in custody – Dowen college gives update
The management of Dowen College, Lagos has released a new statement
confirming that five of its students and three house parents are
currently in detention over the controversial death of one of its
students, 11-year-old Sylvester Oromoni.
In the statement addressed to parents and guardians, the school
principal said the school has been working with the authorities and the
Oromoni to ensure that justice is served.
The principal pointed out that
five students and three hostel parents have been taken into custody but
that it isn’t an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.
Read the full text of the statement below:
”Dear Parents/Guardians As we continue to commiserate with the
entire Oromoni family, we also extend our condolences to our students,
parents, staff and indeed the entire Dowen College family on the demise
of our beloved son Slyvester.
We would like to extend our appreciation to all our parents and
guardians for their calls, messages, advice and encouragement as we
navigate this difficult time together.We would also like you to know that we are working together with the
relevant authorities and the Oromoni family to ensure that justice is
seen and served in this matter. We understand and appreciate your
anxiety and support. We plan to do all that we can to ensure that the
education and future of our dear children is not mortgaged.Investigations are moving along and we continue to work with all the relevant authorities.
1) So far all five of the children suspected have been remanded in
custody as well as the three hostel parents. Please note this is NOT an
admission of guilt or wrongdoing but part of their process.2) The school and members of the Oromoni family have met cordially
with the Commissioner of Police to discuss the matter and the way
forward.3) There will be an autopsy in Lagos and the school will have its own
pathologist present as well. We pray that following the preliminary
investigations the Ministry of Education will let us have a timeline for
next term.4) The Board of Governors of the school is also willing to meet with
representatives of our parents for discussions at the appropriate time.
In addition, we wish to inform you that the school is revising and
strengthening its Health and Safety Policies and procedures.To curtail any future reoccurrence of similar alleged incident. We
will reeducate and reinforce culture and discipline and review our
reporting and disciplinary procedures and sanctions for increased safety
and accountability. Going forward it will not be business as usual. We
solicit for your continued prayers, patience and understanding.
