John Ovie, YENAGOA
A consultant pathologist has submitted the autopsy report on the death of Amassoma Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state born Patrick Peresuodei, revealing that he died from severe blunt force injuries.
Testifying before the Coroner’s Court sitting in Yenagoa on Friday, Dr. Musa Itopa Stephen said the autopsy was conducted on March 21, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre, Otuoke, in Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa state.
He told the court that the procedure was carried out in the presence of relevant parties and documented with photographs taken by a police photographer.
He added that medical samples were also collected for toxicology and biochemical analysis, with results still pending.
Stephen tendered the autopsy report, medical certificate of cause of death, and 22 photographs as evidence.
According to the findings, the deceased had multiple blunt force injuries across his body, including a deep cut on the scalp, bruises on the lips, shoulders, abdomen, back, and knees, as well as swelling of the right knee.
The report also noted bruises around the wrists and ankles, suggesting the use of restraints, noting that internal examination revealed extensive bleeding under the skin and within tissues, as well as bleeding into joint spaces, particularly in the right knee.
The pathologist concluded that Patrick Peresuodei died from haemorrhagic shock caused by multiple traumatic injuries, adding that the pattern and severity of the injuries indicated they were inflicted, and not self-inflicted, raising concerns of possible custodial violence.
The medical expert further stated that there was no evidence of any natural disease that could have caused the death, while under cross-examination, he maintained that the injuries were inconsistent with suicide and were likely caused by blunt objects such as sticks or batons.
Following the testimony, the Coroner’s Court adjourned the case to April 28, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
It could be recalled that one Bodmas Kemepade has been declared wanted by the Bayelsa state people command over his alleged role in the death of the 24-year old Patrick Peresuodei on January 28, 2026 shortly after his release from the police custody.
