The much awaited autopsy report which was taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Investigate Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, at exactly 8.45pm yesterday, cited the chief cause of death as Respiratory Seizure. The report was signed by Dr. Shoyemi, a Pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja.
The autopsy examined amongst other things, the bruises on her skin. A police source said although other possible causes were listed, none of them were inflicted by violence or aggressive battering. Although it was not clear what brought about the seizure, the other bruises on her body did not establish that it led to her death.
A medical doctor with the general hospital, who spoke with THISDAY on anonymity explained that seizures can be caused by a change in the behavioral state resulting from an abnormal electrical activity in the brain. On whether the autopsy exonerates the suspect he said that seizures can be caused by either a severe blow to the head, acute fever or severe case of intoxication.
He said often the person suffering from the seizure might first loose consciousness, leading to stiffening of the body with forceful expiration of air from the throat. The doctor also explained that if the person having the seizure is standing without support, a fall can be hard and fatal.
Confirming the completion of the autopsy report, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, however declined to comment on the result, especially whether it exonerates the suspect because there is a directive from the IG of Police that nobody should comment on it as it’s for the purpose of investigation.
