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Sylvester Oromoni: House Teacher Testifies, Says No Cult In Dowen College
The coroners’ inquest into the controversial death of late Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni resumed on Monday, February 28, with one of the school’s teachers, Hammed Ayomo, testifying.
Ayomo who is also one of the housemasters told Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri that there is no secret cult in the school.
Recall that after Sylvester’s death, his father, Sylvester Oromoni Snr, had alleged that his child was threatened to join a cult group and forced to drink a substance that led to his death
Ayomo who was the ninth witness in the proceedings said he has been employed by the school for 13 years and also served as guardian to the late Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.
While answering questions from counsel to the Oromoni family, Andrew Efole, Ayomo was confronted with a statement he made to the police to the effect that the deceased had complained that some students were begging him for his provisions. The late Sylvester had then opted to keep the provisions with the housemaster.
The witness also testified that the deceased requested to change his room at some point as a result of his personal effects going missing. He, however, said that the issue of stolen items are not peculiar to the deceased but noted that he helped him to search for it.
When asked about allegations of bullying, the teacher said he wasn’t aware that the deceased was beaten.
The parents said he was dragged down, beaten with a belt, is this possible? One of the lawyers asked.
“It is impossible” he said
“As a houseparent, can you tell the court when the principal became aware that the boy was sick?” the lawyer had asked
Responding, the teacher said
“On November 27, 2021, I called the mom to ask after Sylvester, she said they were in church and that the healing hands of God were upon him,” he said.
On November 28, I called the principal and told him one of our boys was at home and is staying too long and she asked for his mom’s number then called but no response.
I called the mom and she picked and I connected the two of them then we heard him screaming in the background. She asked why he was screaming, the mom said they were massaging his body and the principal prayed for him.”
The coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri also had some questions for the witness. He asked if there was a standard practice the school follows on the discipline of students. Mr Ayomo replied in the affirmative.
“Are you aware of the issue of the sister’s private parts? the coroner asked
“Yes,” the teacher replied.
“To you, was that a minor or major case,” asked the coroner
“Major,” the teacher replied.
“Are you surprised the school didn’t take any measure against the boys mentioned?
The Assistant Director of the hostel, Mr Valentine punished the student but I am not aware if the management as a whole took any disciplinary action against him” the teacher said
The Coroner then asked “As a father how would you feel about this? Would you still have confidence in the school?
“I won’t be happy, but I will still have confidence in the school”, the teacher replied.
While being cross-examined by the school’s counsel, Izuchukwu Ohajinwa, Ayomo told the inquest that there was no cult in the school, adding that it was not possible for the deceased to be beaten by the suspected students.
“No cult in Dowen. The rooms are closely linked together and it’s impossible for the deceased to be dragged down and beaten with a belt by other students.”
Counsel to the Nig Bar Association, Bernard Onigah then sought to know what advice the teacher had on the whole incident.
Ayomo disclosed that the school has begun the installation of CCTV cameras. He also disclosed that teachers/housemasters would now be assigned to live on each floor of the school hostel so as to properly monitor the activities of the students.
Further proceedings to continue today March 1 with the school principal expected to testify.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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