#EndSARS protests: Court orders investigation into journalist’s death

A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Lagos State government to investigate the death of Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old reporter for Gboah TV. Onifade was arrested during the #EndSARS protests in 2020 and later found dead in a mortuary in Ikorodu.

Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji ordered the state government to conduct a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause of Onifade’s death and identify and prosecute those responsible. The ruling followed a suit by Media Rights Agenda (MRA), which promotes media freedom.

The court criticized the state’s Attorney-General for failing to obtain a duplicate case file, which hindered the initial inquest.

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The judge noted that under section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, the Attorney-General can request case files from the Commissioner of Police.

Five claims made by MRA against the police were dismissed due to lack of evidence. However, the court noted that the Attorney-General did not dispute the facts in MRA’s affidavit. The police and Inspector-General of Police did not respond to the summons.

MRA’s suit, filed on August 4, 2021, sought declarations that Onifade’s shooting, arrest, and detention were unconstitutional. The organization requested a transparent investigation, a coroner’s inquest, and the prosecution of those responsible.

Justice Faji commended the Attorney-General’s office for participating in the case but criticized its failure to conduct the inquest due to the lack of a case file. He emphasized the Attorney-General’s duty to investigate the death and prosecute those responsible.

The ruling highlights the need for accountability and transparency in cases involving journalists’ safety during civil unrest.