The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed it has received the autopsy report on the late two-year-old, Winnie Akekue, who reportedly died after a bookshelf collapsed on her in a classroom at her school in Elimgbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The command dismissed claims that it was withholding the report from the child’s parents, stressing that the document is public and will be released upon formal request.
The clarification follows allegations by the girl’s parents, who told journalists in Port Harcourt that the management of Wisdom Gate International School initially concealed details surrounding the incident and accused the police of delaying access to the autopsy findings.
Responding to the claims, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said the case has been escalated for further investigation.
According to her, after initial inquiries at the Special Area Division and obtaining a statement from a suspect, the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe, including the autopsy.
She maintained that the police have no authority to withhold such reports, noting that while the document is in their possession, it will be made available to the family once they complete the required application process.
