Alleged Homicide: Anambra gov’t Rejects ‘Preliminary’ Autopsy Result
The Anambra government has rejected the purported preliminary autopsy result on late Mrs Chidiebere lloka. wife of Mr Mbazulike Iloka, the suspended transition chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area.
Late Chidiebere died in Aug. 7 in a circumstance suspected to be a possible homicide resulting from domestic violence.
There was widespread allegations of culpability of Mbazulike, the Anambra government suspended him from being the caretaker chairman of Nnewi North LGA on Aug. 11 to pave the way for investigations.
The State Government in a Statement made available on Wednesday said it was not aware of any conclusive autopsy report on the matter and announced the withdrawal of the two consultant pathologists it nominated in the team.
The Statement was jointly signed by Prof. Sylvia Chika Ifemeje, Commissioner for Justice/Attorney-General, Dr Afam Obidike Commissioner for Health and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obinabo
Commissioner for Women & Children Affairs
It said a team of experts made of two nominees each from the deceased family, the suspects family and government were constituted to conduct an autopsy but wondered why the preliminary result which it described as preemptive was issued by a representative of the suspects family.
The government also wondered why the victim’s family would issue a letter dissociating themselves from the petition against their daughter’s deaths soon after the said preliminary result which ruled out murder filtered to the public.
“Given the unprofessional conduct of pre-emptive issuance of “preliminary” autopsy report without waiting for test results and contrary to rules of conduct agreed to by the team of pathologists, the integrity of the autopsy process is called to serious question.
“The Government hereby withdraws the team of pathologists appointed by her from the process,” it said.
The Anambra government, therefore, called the Nigerian Police to rajevup full investigation of the case.
It also urged the Police to investigate allegations of pressure and threat on members of the deceased family which led to the ‘twists and turns in their stories’.
“As a responsible government, with strong commitment to rule of law and justice for all, we have a responsibility to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done.
“It is now within the powers of the Police Force to investigate and prosecute, and/or the State Government to initiate the process of a Corona Inquiry.
“The Nigerian Police is enjoined to professionally and thoroughly investigate the two allegations of domestic violence and homicide/murder,” it stated.
