By Lizzy Chirkpi
Six years after journalist Pelumi Onifade disappeared while covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, a DNA test has finally confirmed that an unidentified body recovered during the unrest was his.
An emotional scene unfolded at the Coroner’s Court in Lagos on Tuesday as the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre revealed that a body previously tagged as “No. 1385” matched the DNA profile of the late Gboah TV reporter.
Coroner Temitope Oladele disclosed that genetic analysis established a biological relationship between the deceased and a sample provided by Pelumi’s mother, Mrs. Adebose Onifade, bringing an end to years of agonising uncertainty over her son’s fate.
The announcement left the grieving mother in tears as the court formally confirmed the identity of the body.
Pelumi disappeared on October 24, 2020, while covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos. Witness accounts at the time indicated that he was shot and later arrested by security operatives. His disappearance sparked outrage among journalists, civil society groups and human rights advocates, who repeatedly demanded answers from authorities.
The ongoing inquest followed a July 2024 judgment by Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in a suit instituted by Media Rights Agenda (MRA). The court ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pelumi’s death and directed that anyone found culpable be identified and prosecuted.
While the DNA findings have finally established the identity of the deceased, a key aspect of the investigation remains unresolved.
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has yet to submit the autopsy report ordered by the Coroner’s Court, drawing criticism from counsel representing MRA and the Onifade family, Alimi Adamu.
“Pelumi’s parents are human beings who have endured a prolonged wait for answers and for closure,” Adamu told the court, noting that repeated reminders to the hospital had yielded no response.
Expressing concern over the delay, 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,” the Coroner cautioned.
Responding, Adamu said: “I am sure the court will do it if it is needful.”
Oladele subsequently directed that a final administrative reminder be sent to LASUTH and warned that failure to comply could trigger the full weight of the law against 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,” she said. “I sympathise with you and commend you.”
The matter was adjourned until July 7, 2026.
Speaking after the proceedings, Adamu described the DNA confirmation as a significant moment 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.
For the Onifade family, the confirmation closes one painful chapter. However, questions surrounding how the journalist died and who may be responsible remain unanswered as the inquest continues.