Sen. Adeleke Died Of Excessive Analgesics, Sedatives, Alcohol – Pathologist

Dr. Sholaja, who carried out the autopsy examination on the late senator, told a coroner inquest that no trace of poison was found in the deceased.

Sholaja, while giving evidence before the coroner, Chief Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara, said the autopsy carried out by him and two other pathologists from Ladoke Akintola University Hospital, Osogbo, revealed that the late senator died of “aspiration of gastric content due to multiple drug overdose.’’

The investigation and autopsy began after the late senator’s family members and supporters alleged that Mr. Adeleke was poisoned.

Also speaking, one of the pathologists from LAUTECH, Mr. Olufemi explained that histology of the tissues from the body of the deceased was normal except from the heart which showed hypertrophy, adding that the liver showed alcoholic steato-hypatitis.

“Death in this case was due to aspiration of gastric content, although the deceased had hypertensive heart disease which could have caused sudden death, but no evidence of such, either grossly or microscopically.

“It is known that excessive alcoholic intake may depress the central nervous system with the blunting of the gas influx.

“This may also induce vomiting. The deceased was deeply sedated and was given an overdose of analgesic, these drugs are known to cause central nervous system depression.”

The pathologist said the side effects of most of the drugs given to the deceased included drowsiness, vomiting and cardiovascular collapse which resulted in blockage of his breathing.

“This showed up in the body as stinge of colouration. This could cause vital seizure of the system,” he said.

“The toxicology report also showed abnormally high levels of alcohol, sedative and analgesic in the blood of the deceased.

“There were no traces of poising, or heavy metals in the toxicology report. Nigerian police did the toxicology examination and the result was given to me on May 15, 2017.”

But when Mr Aderibigbe Alfred, the nurse that administered the drugs on Adeleke was called, his counsel, Lekan Alabi, prayed the court to allow his client appear on Friday.

According to Alabi, his counsel was only served the summons on Tuesday, pleading that the evidence be adjourned till Friday.

The coroner, Olusegun Ayilara, however, rejected the plea, saying Alfred must appear before the court on Thursday.