Saturday, May 25, 2013

Cynthia’s mouth was stuffed with hair net, handkerchief, attachment —Pathologist

The consultant pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Professor John Obafunwa, on Friday stated that the late Cynthia’s Osokogu’s mouth was stuffed with a black and yellow hair net, a white handkerchief and the attachment of the weaveon she fixed before her mouth was taped.
Professor Obafunwa revealed this while showing pictures of the autopsy activities on the late Cynthia from the beginning to the end of the procedure before Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The pathologist, who was testifying as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the suspected killers of Cynthia Osokogu, stated that the killers taped her mouth from the mouth back to the neck area.
Osokogu was allegedly drugged and murdered in a hotel room last July in Lagos by Okwumo Nwabufor and Olisaeloka Ezike, who are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder and felony.
Also, Osita Orji, the pharmacist who sold the Rophynol drug to the alleged murderers, has been accused of reckless and negligent act while Nonso Ezike, who pawned the deceased’s Blackberry phone, has been charged with possession of stolen property.
Further in his testimony, the professor stated that late Osokogu’s lungs were heavily engorged with blood weighing between 400 and 500 grammes rather than the normal 250-300 grammes, adding that there were also tiny beads on the surface, attributing it to blood accumulation called pulmonary oedema.
Professor Obafunwa explained further that there were also tiny beads in the lining of her voice box while the kidney, when sliced, had dark spots in some areas, indicating a shut down of blood circulation due to shock
According to him, the seven bruises on Osokogu’s thighs were suspected to be bite marks while when the corpse was skinned, deep bruises, which couldn’t be seen on the skin were found on various parts of her leg.
The autopsy pictures revealed that Cyhthia’s hands were tied with tape and a chain covered with blue plastic wrap and there were bruises at the back of her right hand and her mouth was disfigured.
The pathologist stated that the only clothing on her corpse, which was labelled unknown when brought in, was an under shirt with pink stripes.
He concluded his testimony by affirming that all the marks on her weren’t inflicted after death as no dead body can feel the impact to have such marks.
While being cross-examined by the defence counsels, Professor Obafunwa maintained that based on their examination and microscopic study, there was no evidence that the late Osokogu was suffering from any disease like asthma or tuberculosis.
The professor of forensic medicine had earlier testified that Osokogu died from asphyxia, that is, an absence of oxygen supply to the body, adding that the blockage of the deceased’s upper respiratory airways was the immediate cause of her death. He also dispelled any probability of a self-inflicted harm or outright suicide.
The matter was adjourned till May 31.
Tribune

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