Autopsy Reveals Patrick Peresuodei Died of Hemorrhagic Shock from Severe Blunt Force Injuries, Pathologist Tells Court
A consultant pathologist, Dr. Musa Itopa Stephen, on Friday, April 24, 2026, presented before the Coroner’s Court sitting in Yenagoa the autopsy report alongside the medical certificate establishing the cause of death of Patrick Peresuodei, laying out detailed medical findings surrounding the circumstances of his demise.
While testifying before the court, Dr. Stephen disclosed that the autopsy was carried out on March 21, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre, Otuoke, located in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He explained that the examination was conducted in the presence of all interested parties, whose attendance was formally documented. He further noted that photographic evidence of the procedure was captured by a police photographer, with both hard copies and electronic versions made available.
The pathologist also informed the court that biological samples were collected during the procedure and forwarded to a forensic laboratory for toxicological and biochemical evaluation. He stated that the results remain pending and will be submitted to the court once completed.
Dr. Stephen subsequently tendered before the court the medical certificate of cause of death, the comprehensive autopsy report, and 22 photographic exhibits documenting the post-mortem examination.
According to the findings contained in the report, external examination revealed multiple blunt force injuries spread across the deceased’s body. These included a laceration measuring about 4cm located on the vertex of the scalp, as well as pronounced bruising on the lower lip, shoulder joints, extensor regions of the elbows and forearms, anterior abdomen, back, buttocks, and both knees. The right knee, in particular, was observed to be significantly swollen, with several injuries already covered by scabs.
The report further detailed circumferential bruises around both wrists and ankle joints, with greater severity on the left side. These injuries were found to be consistent with restraint marks, likely resulting from the use of handcuffs and ankle restraints.
Findings from the internal examination showed widespread subcutaneous and soft tissue haemorrhages affecting multiple body regions, including the upper limbs, abdomen, back, and lower extremities. Evidence of traumatic haemarthrosis, defined as bleeding into joint spaces, was also identified, with the right knee showing severe involvement indicative of intense pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Further examination revealed substantial blood loss and haemorrhage in the frontal scalp area. The brain was noted to be autolyzed, thereby limiting the scope of detailed neurological evaluation.
The autopsy report concluded that the cause of death was haemorrhagic shock resulting from multiple, extensive, and fatal blunt force traumatic injuries.
Contributory factors identified included widespread subcutaneous haemorrhage due to trauma, traumatic haemarthrosis, and injury patterns consistent with restraint during the assault.
In his remarks, Dr. Stephen emphasized that the pattern, severity, and distribution of the injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma. He pointed out that the presence of restraint marks on both the wrists and ankles strongly indicated that the deceased may have been restrained at the time the injuries were inflicted, raising significant medico-legal concerns, including the possibility of custodial violence.
Also Read: Death of Patrick Peresuodei: Shocking Testimony Emerges at Bayelsa Coroner’s Inquest
The report also clearly stated that there was no evidence of any natural disease that could sufficiently account for the death.
Under cross-examination, the pathologist maintained that the injuries were inconsistent with suicide, describing them as the outcome of blunt force impacts. He explained that such injuries could have been inflicted using objects such as sticks, planks, batons, or other similar non-sharp instruments.
Following the testimony, the Coroner’s Court adjourned proceedings to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
