Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Hakeem Odumosu, has disclosed that following the conclusion of investigation into the death of a student of Dowen College in Lekki area of the state, Sylvester Oromoni, there was no evidence to establish that he was bullied to death by his colleagues.
The CP, who addressed a press conference on Friday also warned protesters not to take the law into their hands.
Recall that Sylvester died on November 30, 2021, and his death has since been a subject of controversy with the family of the deceased alleging that their son was murdered by some of his colleagues for refusing to join their cult group.
The authorities of Dowen College have since denied the claims, saying Sylvester died from injuries he sustained during a football match.
Since the demise of Sylvester, Dowen College has been shut and five students and five employees of the school arrested and interrogated by the police.
Justifying the decision of the police to release the arrested persons, Odumosu said there was no evidence suggesting Sylvester was bullied by his colleagues.
His words, “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.”
The CP also issued a stern warning to those protesting the release of the affected students:
“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.
“Thus, members of the public who may have any misgivings about the outcome of the police investigation, medical enquiry and legal advice with this case are advised to follow due process in law rather than resorting to self-help. The police will not fold their arms and allow any act or omission that could threaten the peace being enjoyed in the state.”
