Pathologist reveals how dockworker murdered banker wife

A pathologist, Dr S.S. Soyele, told an Ikeja High Court yesterday that Ronke Shonde, the banker allegedly murdered by her dockworker husband, Lekan Shonde, suffered severe brain injuries which led to her death. Soyele, a Medical Pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, revealed the results of a post-mortem examination, conducted on Ronke, […]

A pathologist, Dr S.S. Soyele, told an Ikeja High Court yesterday that Ronke Shonde, the banker allegedly murdered by her dockworker husband, Lekan Shonde, suffered severe brain injuries which led to her death.

Soyele, a Medical Pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, revealed the results of a post-mortem examination, conducted on Ronke, while being led in evidence by Mr Y. G. Oshoala, the lead state prosecutor.

He revealed that it was discovered during autopsy that the deceased’s brain was heavy, swollen and filled with water and it was highly unlikely that the deceased inflicted the injuries on herself because of the multiplicity of injuries.

At the previous court proceedings on Sept. 20, Ronke’s sister, Miss Bolatito Bewaji, had revealed during her testimony that Ronke had approached a lawyer to file for divorce on the day she was allegedly murdered by Lekan.

She also revealed to the court a history of domestic violence Ronke had endured from Lekan.

Bolatito, also a banker, said Lekan was overly possessive of his wife, and would beat her frequently, leaving her with bruises.

“My sister even told me that her husband would lift her up and slam her against the wall whenever they had an argument,” an emotional Bolatito had told the court.

Giving further insight into the couple’s troubled marriage, Bolatito had revealed that she had advised her sister several times to leave the marriage.

According to court documents, Shonde was involved in an altercation with his wife, which led to her death.

After Ronke’s death, the dockworker allegedly locked up the home and fled, leaving his spouse’s corpse in the living room.

The alleged crime scene was discovered by neighbours, who heard the cries of their two young children, struggling to “wake up” the lifeless body of their mother.

Shonde was said to have surrendered to the authorities five days later, after an extensive manhunt.

Justice Josephine Oyefeso adjourned the case until Oct. 24 for continuation of trial. (NAN)