The remains of the renowned singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad, were exhumed on Thursday.
PUNCH METRO reported that this operation was carried out jointly by a collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force and health authorities.
The Lagos State Police Command also officially confirmed this development, disclosing that preparations are in progress to initiate a thorough autopsy examination on the late singer’s body.
Furthermore, the police have taken into custody the nurse who administered an injection to the deceased artist shortly before his tragic passing on Tuesday, September 12. This incident marks a significant turn in the ongoing investigation.
In light of these recent developments, PUNCH METRO delves into the key aspects to understand about an autopsy.
Autopsies, the post-mortem examination of a deceased body, have been a staple of forensic science and medical investigation for decades. They serve a vital role in uncovering the cause of death and providing invaluable insights into various health conditions. Whether you’re curious about the process or its significance, here are six key things to know about autopsies:
Purpose and Types of Autopsies:
Autopsies primarily aim to determine the cause of death. There are two main types: clinical and forensic. Clinical autopsies, also known as hospital or medical autopsies, are performed in hospitals to understand diseases and complications. Forensic autopsies, on the other hand, are conducted when a death is suspicious, sudden, or linked to criminal activity. These help law enforcement gather evidence and establish causes of death.
Autopsy Procedure:
The procedure involves a systematic examination of the body. The pathologist inspects the external body first, noting visible injuries or signs of disease. Then, a Y-shaped incision is made on the chest and abdomen, allowing access to internal organs. Each organ is examined, sampled, and weighed. Tissue samples are sent for further analysis, such as toxicology tests. After thorough documentation, the body is typically sutured up for burial.
Historical Significance:
Autopsies have a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. However, their scientific value grew significantly in the 19th century. Pioneers like Rudolf Virchow made groundbreaking contributions to pathology through autopsies. These examinations have helped us understand diseases, discover new medical knowledge, and improve patient care.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
Performing an autopsy requires legal authorization, typically from the deceased’s next of kin or a legal representative. Consent may be required, especially for research purposes. Ethical guidelines ensure the respectful treatment of the deceased, including religious and cultural considerations.
Forensic Investigations:
Forensic autopsies play a crucial role in criminal investigations. They help determine if foul play was involved in a death, identify potential murder weapons, collect evidence like DNA, and establish timelines of events. The findings are often presented in court as expert testimony.
Advancements and Alternatives:
With the advent of modern medical imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs, post-mortem examinations have evolved. Virtual autopsies, or “virtopsies,” use these imaging methods to investigate causes of death non-invasively. While traditional autopsies remain indispensable, these alternatives offer less invasive options, especially when preserving the body’s appearance is essential.
Understanding autopsies and their significance sheds light on the vital role they play in both medical and legal contexts. While they may seem morbid, autopsies contribute immensely to our knowledge of diseases, criminal investigations, and ensuring justice.
