Whitney Adeniran: Chrisland School granted independent autopsy

An Ikeja District Court granted permission for an autopsy to the management of Chrisland School to access toxicology samples for an independent forensic pathologist to evaluate.

This was in response to an application for an independent review which was served to the state and the family’s counsel, neither of whom filed a counter affidavit opposing the motion.

The state counsel requested the attendance of the state pathologist at the expense of the applicant, which was not objected to by the applicant.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Olabisi Fajana directed that the independent forensic pathologist’s assessment be carried out within Lagos State, with the pathologist of the deceased’s family granted access as an observer during the exercise. The family and Chrisland School’s counsel were in agreement with this decision.

According to the court, items to be handed over for the independent review, include “the paraffin block of the skin sample and slides from which the diagnosis of electrocution was made. Samples of the urine, blood and other body fluid collected at autopsy.

“Samples of bone and muscle taken from the deceased for purpose of independent DNA analysis. All photographs taken during the conduct of the autopsy.

“Copies of any other working sample and documents made in the course of the autopsy, result of all toxicology tests conducted, the modalities of the transmission of the above listed items ‘a’ to ‘f’ shall be as decided by the Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State.

“The Chief Medical Examiner or an officer as assigned by him shall be present at all times during the transmission of the above listed items “a” to “f’ and the consultation of the Independent Forensic Pathologist of the applicant.”