By TITILOPE JOSEPH, Lagos

The scheduled proceedings slated to hold at the coroner inquest sitting in Ikeja, seeking to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of a student of Dowen College, Sylvester Oromoni failed to hold on Monday.

The proceedings could not hold as two witnesses – the deceased’s father, Mr. Sylvester Oromoni Snr. and his sister were absent in court.

The court was however informed by counsel to the Oromoni’s, Mr. Andrew Efole of the reason for their inability to appear before the Coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, attributing it to ill health.

He said, “The girl who ought to testify is sick, the father who ought to be here is attending to the child who is receiving treatment.”

He added to the prompting of the Coroner about the whereabouts of the deceased’s mother, “The mother is not strong now for the things she is going through.”

Earlier, counsel to Dowen College, Anthony Okpoko expressed dissatisfaction at the interview granted by Sylvester Oromoni Snr published today, in contrast to the restraining order by the court to all parties from making comments to the press.

Okpoko also said he is not happy that another relative of the deceased, Perri Oromoni has been tweeting in respect of the matter.
He pointedly told the court, “This is a breach.”

Magistrate Kadiri in response reiterated his order and said he might have to issue a summon on the said relative.
According to him, “Why has he single-handedly decided to be the Coroner?” Magistrate Kadiri asked.

Meanwhile, counsel to the deceased family Mr. Efole apologized and told the court: “We are not saying we will not call our witnesses, we have other witnesses that will be coming.”

The Lagos State Counsel, A.A George urged the court to apply Coroner System Law: Section 48(10) which states “Any person whose act or conduct contravenes any of the provisions of this law where no penalty is specified, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to (two) 2 years’ imprisonment.

The Coroner having heard submissions of the counsel in respect of witnesses’ non-appearance on two consecutive times; last Friday and Monday, the Coroner is worried that it appears that the party who requested for the inquest is now stalling it.

Further hearing has been adjourned till Tuesday. (Daily Independent)

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