A pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Sunday Shoyemi, on Friday, said the death of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, was caused by a blunt force trauma on the head.

The pathologist gave evidence before the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square at the ongoing trial of a Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominnikoron.

Mr Ominnikoron is standing trial for alleged rape and murder of Ms Ayanwole.

Mr Shoyemi said that after he examined both the external and internal body of Ms Ayamwole, he established that her death was due to craniocerebral injury following a  blunt force trauma.

The witness, a lecturer at the Lagos State University, was led in evidence by Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins.

The pathologist testified that he observed a bruise on the left side of the forehead and right ear of the deceased. He also told the court that he observed a large bruise on the back of the skull of the dead.

“In addition, there was a bruise on the elbow region. These findings were external. Upon opening, I saw what we call subdural hematoma, which means bleeding into the soft tissue covering the skull or bleeding into the brain.

“This was noticed in the frontal area, as well as on the back of the skull. At the back of the skull, there were multiple fractures, which means bone broken into two or more pieces,” Mr Shoyemi said.

The pathologist also said there was a fracture on the bone above the ear, and bruises were also found on both lips of the deceased.

Mr Shoyemi, the ninth and last prosecution witness, said, “In the light of all the findings and the internal findings, death was ascribed to severe craniocerebral injury following a force blunt trauma.”

The witness further told the court that during the autopsy, he took samples from the deceased’s body for identification and toxicology.

During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, the witness told the court that information about the deceased was given to him by the investigating police officer before the autopsy was carried out.

After the cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel informed the court that he had a pending application to recall some prosecution witnesses for further cross-examination. The prosecution counsel objected.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike reserved ruling on the application until November  2.

Mr Ominnikoron is facing a five-count charge bordering on rape, sexual assault and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State government.

The prosecution had told the court that Mr Ominnikoron conspired with others, now at large, to rape and murder 22-year-old Ms Ayanwole, a passenger on the BRT he was driving.

(NAN)