Obafunwa: Cynthia Osokogu was Asphyxiated by Her Killers

Cynthia Osokogu

Chief Medical Examiner of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. John Obafunwa, Friday told an Ikeja High Court that the post-mortem examination conducted on the Cynthia Osokogu revealed that she died from asphyxia (absence of Oxygen supply to the body). 

Obafunwa was testifying at the resumed trial of four men allegedly involved in the Cynthia's death before Justice Olabisi Akinlade said their findings revealed that the deceased was gagged and choked by her killers.

The defendants; Okwumo Nwabufo , Olisaeloka Ezike, Orji Osita and Ezike Nonso were charged to court by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for their alleged involvement in death of the 25-year-old lady who was murdered at Cosmilla Hotel, Lakeview Estate, Festac Town, Lagos on July 22, 2012

The pathologist, led in evidence by the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Ade Ipaye, said there were multiple bruises and abrasions in Osokogu's body, adding that what appears to be bite marks were on the front of her two thighs. "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," Obafunwa said.

Meanwhile the court also admitted as exhibits, 15 photographs of the crime scene taken by one, Mr Lucky Enimelo, a professional photographer.

The judge dismissed the objections of the defence counsel and admitted the photographs as Exhibit P1 to PO.

Ipaye also called the manager of Cosmilla Hotel, Mr. Victor Ugweke to testify before the court.

Ugweke said 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 said he went to the Festac Police Station to report the incident, adding that the police later came and took the body to the Ikeja General Hospital.

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