An autopsy has confirmed that the death of Okediachi Emeka, a man from Delta State, was not caused by police action. The Delta State Police Command has dismissed claims that Emeka was killed by police officers.
Emeka’s brother, Desmond Okediachi, had previously alleged that his sibling was struck with guns by police officers in Asaba on November 14, 2024. However, according to SP Bright Edafe, the police spokesperson, Emeka himself admitted that he had accidentally hit his head on a wall while trying to flee from the police, who were responding to a distress call.
The autopsy, which was conducted on December 7, 2024, revealed that Emeka died from hypertensive heart disease. It also showed that his death was complicated by the use of several hard drugs. The toxicology report found substances like tramadol, morphine, opium, diazepam, amitriptyline, and ethyl alcohol in his system.
The autopsy was carried out by two pathologists in the presence of some of Emeka’s family members. This official report clears the police of any wrongdoing in his death.
“Following the death of Mr Okediachi Emeka which occurred on the 14th of November 2024 and it was alleged that the Police were responsible for his death. The Command issued a statement on 29th November 2024 assuring members of the public and concerned family members of the deceased that the commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has ordered an immediate investigation with the assurance that if the Policemen were found to be culpable, they will be punished,” the statement read.
“The CP, as promised, ensured that a discreet investigation was carried out, which necessitated the conduct of an autopsy.
“The autopsy was carried out on the 7th December 2024 in the presence of some family members of the deceased and conducted by two pathologists, one of the pathologists was brought by the family of the deceased.
“The command wishes to inform members of the public that the autopsy report is finally out and as promised, the command wishes to inform members of the public of the outcome.
“The cause of death as revealed by the autopsy report are as follows
1a. Hypertensive heart disease
1b. Uncontrolled Hypertension complicated by pharmacological agents as indicated in the toxicology report which includes a concentration of hard drugs such as tramadol, Morphine, Opium, Diazepine, Amitriptyline, and Ethyl Alcohol.
“It is on this note that the CP therefore advises parents, wards, and particularly the youths to stay away from drug abuse as it is seen in this case. Abusing hard drugs is dangerous to the heart and could lead to untimely death,” the statement concluded.
