POLICE CONFIRM AUTOPSY REPORT IN TODDLER’S DEATH, DENY WITHHOLDING DETAILS FROM FAMILY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed receipt of the autopsy report on two-year-old Miss Winnie Akekue, who reportedly died after a bookshelf fell on her in a classroom in Elimgbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The police, however, denied allegations by the family that the report was being withheld, describing it as a public document that would be released upon formal request.

Spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe following initial findings.

“Yes, the incident happened at the Special Area Division. After taking a statement from a suspect, the case was transferred to the State CID, where an autopsy was conducted. Investigation is ongoing,” she said.

Iringe-Koko stressed that the police had no authority to conceal the autopsy report. “The police cannot withhold an autopsy report because it is a public document. Once the family formally applies, it will be released to them,” she added.

The clarification follows accusations by the child’s parents, who alleged that authorities were reluctant to provide details of the autopsy and that the school initially concealed the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The father, Lasuaka Akekue, said a verbal briefing from the pathologist indicated that the toddler suffered a fractured skull leading to haemorrhage, which may have caused her death. He also alleged that the school delayed informing the family and attempted to alter the scene.

According to him, the child was taken to two hospitals before the family was notified, raising concerns about transparency.

The bereaved parents further claimed they had been subjected to pressure from individuals to settle the matter quietly and proceed with burial arrangements without a full investigation.

The child’s mother, Chinyere Akekue, said she was initially told her daughter was still alive when contacted by a teacher, only to later discover she had died.

In response, the management of Wisdom Gate International School expressed condolences to the family, stating that the child was attended to promptly and taken to hospital, where she passed away.

The school said it had been cooperating fully with authorities and maintained that it had not withheld any information, reiterating its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of pupils.

Meanwhile, the police assured the public that investigations are ongoing and pledged to ensure justice is served based on the outcome of the probe.