July 8, 1998 No. 168

CANADIAN DOCTOR TO ASSIST AT ABIOLA AUTOPSY

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that a Canadian doctor would assist in the autopsy to be performed on Chief Moshood Abiola, the Nigerian political leader who died of an apparent heart attack on July 7, 1998, while in detention.

Dr. James Young, Chief Coroner for the Province of Ontario, will be the Canadian member of an international team from Britain, the United States and Canada. The team will examine the body of Chief Abiola and investigate the circumstances in order to establish the cause of death.

"I am pleased that Canada is able to respond positively to a request for assistance from the Abiola family," said

Mr. Axworthy. "Dr. Young is a distinguished Canadian public servant and scientist whose specialization is in forensic science, and he will bring a unique blend of experience and knowledge to this examination."

The team of doctors will travel to Lagos immediately. The Nigerian government has agreed to the terms of this request by the Abiola family.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca