Autopsy Report Reveals Cause of 2-Year-Old Raphella’s Death in School’ Pool
The long-awaited autopsy report regarding the tragic death of two-year-old Raphella Ogbodo, who was found in the swimming pool of Smiley Kids Montessori School in the Sangotedo area of Lagos on January 15, 2025, has been released, attributing her death to asphyxia and drowning.
The incident sparked public concern, fueled by allegations that Raphella might have been electrocuted before being placed in the pool to simulate drowning.
However, the autopsy conducted by the Chief Pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has refuted those claims.
According to reports, the cause of death was determined to be “(a) Asphyxia and (b) Drowning.” Asphyxia is a condition resulting from the body being deprived of oxygen, which can occur due to various factors, including drowning.
The report explicitly states that this is an expert opinion from a certified government agency, thereby dismissing the electrocution theory.
In the wake of the incident, three staff members of Smiley Kids Montessori School were arrested and subsequently charged with conspiracy, negligent acts, and suspected murder. The arrested individuals include the head of the Nursery Department, Tonia Igbafe, Raphella’s class teacher, Helen Ebodaghe, and her nanny, Habibat Mohammed. They have been remanded in the Kirikiri Female Custodial facility.
Detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department have reportedly duplicated the case file and forwarded it to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further review and legal advice.
It was also gathered that the school’s nanny had to postpone her wedding, which was scheduled for last month, due to her ongoing detention.
This autopsy report marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding young Raphella’s death, providing a medical explanation for the tragic event.
The legal proceedings against the arrested staff members are expected to continue as the DPP reviews the case file.
