Adeleke’s death caused by drug overdose, not poison – Coroner

The coroner inquest constituted by the Osun State government to investigate the cause of death of Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, on Tuesday said the deceased politician died of overdose of analgesic and aspiration of gastric content, which blocked his airways, thus depriving his body oxygen.

Delivering his findings in a 13-page verdict after three weeks of proceedings, the coroner, Chief Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara said, “The possibility of poison as the cause of death of the deceased is not sustainable. It is my firm opinion that he was not poisoned.”

He stated that the presence of abnormally high level of alcohol in the blood of Adeleke, deep sedation and overdose of analgesic drugs, administered through intravenous shut down his central nervous system, which eventually culminated in death.

Ayilara, who was quoting from the evidences and exhibits tendered before the court said, “The report from the toxicology showed abnormally high level of alcohol, sedatives and analgesic in the blood of the deceased. There were no traces of poison of heavy metals in the toxicology.”

He listed the overdose drugs administered on Adeleke to include analgin injection 500ml, diazarpharm injection, two bottles of hydrocortisone, two bottles of gentamizen and one bottle of pentazozine.

According to Ayilara, “This coroner began sitting on the 8th of May and ended its proceedings on 30th of May. Out of 15 people summoned by the court, nine appeared to give evidence and 11 exhibits were tendered. With Section 4 of the coroner’s law, I do have the power to compel any person to appear before me, except such a person is under immunity.

“The nurse, who administered drugs on Adeleke, Mr Alfred Idowu Aderibigbe had a lot to hide on the dosage of drugs he gave to the deceased. He was economical with the truth and he admitted that he acted unlawfully by administering drugs on the deceased with doctor’s prescription. Aderibigbe’s demeanor shows that he is not truthful.

“Issue determined by the coroner include the identity of the deceased, time of his death, place of his death, manner of death. CW5, Professor Akeem Lasisi, who is the CMD of LAUTECH was at the morgue, where autopsy was conducted. Mrs Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, who is sister of the deceased identified Senator Adeleke’s corpse.”

“CW1, Dr Adenle of Biket Hospital said Adeleke was brought to his hospital on the 23rd of April, 2017 at 10.15 am and was confirmed clinically dead. It is safe to conclude that he died between 9.30am and 10.15am. And, it is also safe to conclude that Adeleke died between his country home in Ede and Biket Hospital, Osogbo,” he asserted.

Ayilara, however recommended that the qualification of Aderibigbe should be further investigated and the Osun State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) should look into his case file and determine if there is need to press criminal charges against him.

He also said the public should be sensitised on the need to visit the hospital for the treatment of their ailment, instead of taking drugs, without doctor’s prescription.