Fresh Update Emerges in Death of Journalist Pelumi Onifade After Lagos Police Took Him Away
A significant new development has surfaced in the ongoing coroner's inquest into the death of journalist Pelumi Onifade, with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) reporting that key DNA samples linked to the case were destroyed during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests. This disclosure was made during proceedings on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, before Coroner Temitope Oladele, who confirmed that the hospital had complied with an earlier directive to submit a report on the whereabouts of the late reporter's body.
LASUTH Reports DNA Samples Destroyed in #EndSARS Protests
According to the report submitted by LASUTH, all DNA samples held at the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre were lost when the facility was burnt during the unrest. The hospital stated that this incident occurred amidst the widespread protests, which have been a focal point of national attention. The report aimed to clarify the status of evidence related to Onifade's case, but it has sparked controversy and further legal scrutiny.
Counsel Challenges Inconsistencies in LASUTH Report
However, counsel to the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Alimi Adamu, strongly challenged the hospital's position, describing the explanation as inconsistent with established facts. Adamu told the court that records indicate the DNA centre was set ablaze on October 23, 2020—a day before Onifade's reported death. He argued that DNA samples obtained from the journalist's family were collected after his death and therefore could not have been among those destroyed. Adamu maintained that attributing the loss of the samples to the incident was "manifestly inconsistent and cannot be reconciled with the established sequence of events."
Coroner Shifts Focus to Locating Journalist's Body
In response to these arguments, Coroner Temitope Oladele noted that while the DNA issue remains significant, the priority of the court is to determine the location and custody of the body central to the inquest. Oladele stated that available information suggests the body had been moved from LASUTH to another facility in the Yaba area of Lagos. She indicated that questions surrounding DNA analysis would be revisited once clarity is achieved regarding the body's whereabouts, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
Court Orders Fresh Report from Yaba Facility
Following submissions by counsel, the coroner directed the Chief Medical Director of the Yaba-based facility to provide a detailed account of the body identified as number 1385, reportedly transferred from LASUTH. The court ordered that the report be submitted within 14 days, as efforts intensify to establish the fate of the journalist. The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 28, 2026, allowing time for the new report to be prepared and reviewed.
Background to Journalist's Disappearance and Death
Pelumi Onifade, a reporter with Gboah TV, was allegedly taken away by officers attached to a Lagos task force on October 24, 2020, while covering unrest in the Agege area. Despite wearing identification as a journalist, he was reportedly forced into custody. Days later, his remains were said to have been discovered at a mortuary in Ikorodu. In July 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered a coroner's inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding his death and identify those responsible. The inquest, which began in October 2024, has faced multiple delays, including disruptions caused by industrial action at LASUTH, as proceedings continue to seek answers over this controversial case.
This update highlights the ongoing challenges in resolving the death of Pelumi Onifade, with key evidence issues and legal battles underscoring the complexities of the investigation. The case remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by journalists in Nigeria and the importance of accountability in such incidents.
