The Coroner and Chief Magistrate, Dr. Dickson Ogunfuyi, on Friday put to rest speculations surrounding the death of the Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Mr. Imoleayo Adeniran, declaring that he died of natural causes.
Delivering judgment at the High Court, Akure, Ogunfuyi held that medical and investigative evidence confirmed that the 42-year-old registrar died from a sudden collapse linked to a long-standing heart condition.
The court ruled out poisoning, assault, or any form of external attack.
Toxicology Tests Return Negative
Adeniran had been rushed to the Police Clinic in Akure on July 16, 2025, after he reportedly developed symptoms that initially raised concerns of possible poisoning.
However, the coroner said laboratory tests found no trace of toxic substances in his system.
He noted that doctors found no injuries or signs that the late registrar had ingested harmful chemicals, adding that his organs showed changes consistent with a natural cardiac event rather than poisoning.
“The cause of death, on the balance of evidence, was a natural medical emergency,” he ruled.
No Proof of Assault or Forced Injection
Ogunfuyi dismissed claims that Adeniran was attacked or forced to take any harmful substance. He said investigators found no indication of struggle, forced entry, or violence in the registrar’s home. Witness accounts alleging intrusion were described as inconsistent and unsupported by physical evidence.
“There is no basis to suggest forced administration of any substance or assault,” he held.
Stress Identified as Trigger
The coroner noted that Adeniran had been under significant pressure at work due to administrative inquiries.
He said such stress could aggravate an underlying medical condition and trigger sudden collapse.
“The manner of death is natural,” he concluded.
Court Makes Recommendations
To prevent future controversies, Ogunfuyi recommended the following:
• Further forensic checks on the insecticide container found at the residence.
• A certified extraction of the deceased’s mobile phone data.
• Clear documentation by the police explaining why poisoning and intrusion theories were dismissed.
• Proper preservation of medical records for the family.
• Strengthening of credential verification processes at UNIMED.
• Psychosocial support for the deceased’s family.
