A forensic study of unnatural death in an oil-rich city in niger delta region of nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: The study is aimed at assessing the profile of unnatural death in an oil-rich city in Niger Delta region.
 Method: This is a descriptive retrospective study of all homicidal, accidental and suicidal deaths examined forensically at theCentral hospital mortuary, Warri from January 2003 to December 2016.
 Results: Unatural death accounted for 802( 82.5% ) of all medicolegal cases examined within the study period. Homicidal, accidental and suicidal deaths accounted for 541(67.5%),(247) 29.7% and 14(1.1%)respectively of the unnatural deaths. A total of 713(88.9%) males and 89(11.1%) females were encountered , giving a male-female ratio(MFR)of 8:1. The mean age of the victims is 32.7 years with the peak occurring in the 3rd decade.The most commonly used weapon for homicidal death is firearms, accounting for 374(69.1%) of cases. Accidental death result mainly from RTA, drowning, burns and electrocution whichrespectivelyaccounted for 142(57.5%) 34(13.8%)26(10.5%) and 19(7.7%) of the cases; and with a MFR of 6:1.
 14 cases of suicides were encountered during the study involving 11 males and 3 females, giving a MFR of 7:2.
 Conclusion: The causes of unnatural death are mainly preventable.The resultant premature death, affecting mainly males of productive age is a great source of concern. There is need for the government, the community and individuals to contribute their quotas in reversing this ugly trend.

Murder Investigation in Nigeria: Implication for Forensic Science Application

“…The remaining two articles reviewed (see: Obafunwa et al, 2015;Nwachokor, 2016) were descriptive or retrospective studies. The first of these two articles critically reviewed 802 cases of unnatural deaths in a central hospital in Warri, Delta State, while the second retrospective article reviewed eight mass disaster cases within the Nigerian aviation industry.…”

“…For instance, in many of the medico-legal cases requiring post-mortem analysis, it is unclear who can testify and give evidence during criminal trials (Obafunwa et al, 2018). There are lots of instances where any medical practitioner could be called upon to give an expert opinion, regardless of whether such individuals have the relevant professional qualifications and expertise (Nwachokor, 2016). also admitted that the absence of specific laws governing the application of forensic science has accounted for the failure of so many criminal trials.…”