A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Lagos State Government to investigate the death of Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old reporter. Justice Olayinka Faji has mandated a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause of his death and to hold accountable those responsible.
Onifade was reportedly arrested by officers from a Lagos State Task Force while covering the #EndSARS protests in 2020. His body was later found in a mortuary in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
This order came after Media Rights Agenda (MRA) filed a suit against the police and the Lagos State Government. The suit, initiated by lawyer Charles Musa on August 4, 2021, calls for the declaration that Onifade’s shooting and subsequent arrest violated his fundamental rights. MRA demands a transparent investigation and a coroner’s inquest.
Justice Faji noted that despite being served with the summons, the police did not respond. He also observed that the affidavit supporting the suit lacked firsthand witnesses and documentation, leading to the dismissal of claims against the police for insufficient evidence.
The Attorney-General of Lagos State, though not accused of the killing, is tasked with conducting an inquest. Justice Faji emphasized the Attorney-General’s duty to investigate the death and prosecute those responsible.
