Cynthia was choked to death, says Pathologist

A Consultant Pathologist, Prof. John Obafunwa, on Friday confirmed that Cynthia Osokogu was gagged and choked to death.

Obafunwa was testifying before a  Lagos High Court in Ikeja at the resumed hearing of the case of four men allegedly connected with the murder of the 25-year-old lady.

Osokogu was allegedly lured to Lagos and murdered by her facebook friends at Cosmilla Hotel, Lakeview Estate, FESTAC Town, Lagos on July 22, 2012.

The Chief Medical Examiner of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, told the court that the autopsy he conducted on the deceased's body showed that she died of asphyxiation (absence of oxygen).

Obafunwa, led in evidence by the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said findings revealed that the deceased was gagged and choked by her killers.

He said, 'From our findings, the deceased was asphyxiated, which means absence of oxygen supply to the body.

'That was the immediate cause of death. It was as a result of the blockage of her upper respiratory airways.

'This blockage was caused by the deceased being gagged and choked.'

Those standing trial in connection with the case are Okwumo Nwabufo, Olisaeloka Ezike, Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso.

Continuing his testimony before Justice Olabisi Akinlade, Obafunwa said there were multiple bruises and abrasions in Osokogu's body.

He added that what appeared to be bite marks were also on the front of her two thighs.

He maintained that the injuries on the body of the deceased could not have been self-inflicted.

The court admitted 15 photographs from the crime scene as exhibits.

The photographs were said to have been taken by one Mr. Lucky Enimelo, a professional photographer.

In admitting the exhibits, the judge dismissed the objections of the defence counsel.

Manager of Cosmilla Hotel, Mr. Victor Ugweke, also mounted the witness box, testifying that he was informed that a body was in Room C1 of the hotel by the receptionist after she opened the room with a master key he had given her.

He testified that he reported the case at the FESTAC Police Station, adding that the police later responded and took the body to the Ikeja General Hospital.

The matter was adjourned till May 24 for continuation of trial.

some quarters that the government recently acquired armored helicopters and private jets ahead of  2015 elections.

In a statement issued yesterday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, the government explained that it jointly purchased two helicopters with the Federal Government to enhance security operations in the state and not for elections as alleged.

'The helicopters: 2 bell 412 helicopters with camera payload for aerial surveillance of Rivers State were purchased as part of the State Government's collaboration with the Federal Government and its support for the security agencies in the state.

'The total cost of the helicopters was 29 million USD. The Federal Government of Nigeria through the office of the National Security Adviser paid 15 million USD, while the Rivers State Government paid the balance. The Federal Government granted duty waiver. The choppers are being freighted into Nigeria and will be reassembled in Lagos.

'The helicopters are to be operated by the Nigerian police in conjunction with the oil companies who have offered to bear some of the operating cost to enable government combat the menace of oil bunkering.

'The police took delivery of similar choppers in 2012 built by the same company.

'The 412 four axis choppers are rated the most advanced civil helicopters in the world. The acquisition, which was done with the support of the federal government, is to enhance security of lives and property in Rivers State.

'One finds it therefore very disturbing that anyone will trivialize a matter as serious as the security of not just the lives of Rivers people but also the commonwealth of all Nigerians.

'Finally, the Rivers State government wishes to acknowledge and thank the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his quick action and amazing support leading to the purchase of these helicopters. His commitment to national security and willingness to collaborate with all tiers of government and all sectors to ensure the security of lives and property is worthy of accolade and support.' the government said.