Six years after journalist Pelumi Onifade vanished while covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, a DNA test has confirmed that an unidentified body recovered during the unrest was his, bringing a painful chapter to a close for his family.
An emotional moment unfolded at the Coroner’s Court in Lagos on Tuesday when the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre revealed that a body previously recorded as “No. 1385” matched the DNA profile of the late Gboah TV reporter.
Coroner Temitope Oladele said forensic analysis established a biological link between the deceased and a sample provided by Pelumi’s mother, Mrs. Adebose Onifade, ending years of uncertainty over her son’s fate. The confirmation moved the grieving mother to tears as the court formally identified the body.
Pelumi disappeared on October 24, 2020, while reporting on the #EndSARS protests in Lagos. Witnesses had alleged that he was shot and later taken into custody by security operatives. His disappearance triggered widespread condemnation from journalists, civil society organisations and human rights groups, who repeatedly demanded accountability.
The inquest stems from a July 2024 ruling by Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in a case filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA). The court ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pelumi’s death and directed authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible.
Despite the breakthrough in identifying the body, key questions surrounding the journalist’s death remain unanswered.
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has yet to submit the autopsy report ordered by the Coroner’s Court, prompting criticism from Alimi Adamu, counsel to MRA and the Onifade family.
“Pelumi’s parents are human beings who have endured a prolonged wait for answers and for closure,” Adamu told the court, adding that repeated requests to the hospital had gone unanswered.
Expressing frustration over the delay, Coroner Oladele warned that continued non-compliance could attract sanctions.
“With the way you are going, do not let me go and order the arrest of the Chief Examiner,” she cautioned.
Adamu responded that the court would be justified in taking such action if necessary.
The coroner subsequently ordered that a final administrative reminder be sent to LASUTH and warned that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences for responsible officials.
“I understand that you want justice in this matter. I am not going to count from when it came to this point because it started years before it came to this point,” Oladele said. “I sympathise with you and commend you.”
The case was adjourned until July 7, 2026.
Speaking after the proceedings, Adamu described the DNA confirmation as a major milestone in the family’s long search for answers.
“Six years after he disappeared, DNA has finally given Pelumi Onifade a name, a body, and a place in history,” he said.
While the identification provides long-awaited closure for the Onifade family, the circumstances of the journalist’s death and the question of accountability remain unresolved as the inquest continues.
