Femi Falana (SAN), counsel of the Oromoni family, has accused Mikhail Kadiri, the magistrate conducting a coroner’s inquest into the death of Sylvester Oromoni, of bias.
During a sitting held in the Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, on Tuesday, Falana said Kadiri was fond of saying the inquest was not a regular court at his convenience, while attempting to let Babajide Martins, Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), ask a witness questions pertaining to a report that had not been tendered before a court or served on all parties.
Martins had conducted an examination-in-chief on Sunday Soyemi, the Chief Pathologist of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), who carried out a second autopsy on the late Sylvester.
Objecting to questions Martins asked concerning the first autopsy conducted, Falana said the court could not allow it as the report was not before the court.
Reacting, Kadiri said, “This is not a regular court”.
“You say this at your convenience,” Falana talked back, and then a heated exchange ensued between the duo.
“If you have a problem with me personally sitting on this inquest, the avenues are there,” Kadiri said. “If you are not satisfied with me personally handling this inquest, the avenues are there. I fear nobody; I owe my duty to God. Learned silk is saying I do that at my convenience. Take that back.”
Falana maintained his position, however.
“He is speaking on a report that has not been served on us; I have not been served,” maintained Falana.
Kadiri told him that if he needed time to review documents, he would grant him that time.
Backtracking, Falana said, “Your lordship, if I have created the impression that I question your integrity, I take it back.”
Kadiri apologised for raising his voice and returned to the examination.
