Journalists and members of the public were yesterday barred from proceedings at an Ikeja Coroner’s Court unraveling the circumstances surrounding the death of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, ordered journalists and other members of the public out of the court because the deceased’s sister, a minor, was slated to testify.

The minor came with her father, Mr Sylvester Oromoni Snr., who was slated to testify on February 14.

Invoking Section 191 of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, the Coroner said: “Proceedings will be held privately. Members of the press and the general public are hereby excused.”

Earlier, when the minor entered the witness box, counsel to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Bernard Oniga, requested that the press and other members of the public leave the court.

“Your Honour, I will like to bring to your attention Section 191 of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, which pertains to the protection of the privacy of a child during proceedings.