A comprehensive investigation into the death of Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old journalist who was arrested by the police during the #EndSARS protests in 2020 and later found dead in a mortuary, has been ordered by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The court also mandated the Lagos State Government to conduct a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause of death and identify those responsible for the journalist’s demise.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji in response to a suit filed by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the police and the state government, as stated in a statement by the Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale.
Justice Faji ruled that the government’s Chief Law Officer cannot initiate an inquest without a duplicate of the case file but cited Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, granting the Attorney-General the authority to request a case file from the Commissioner of Police.
While dismissing five of MRA’s claims against the police due to lack of evidence, Justice Faji acknowledged that the Attorney-General did not contest the facts presented in the affidavit but focused on legal matters. The lawyer for the Attorney-General also committed to conducting an inquest during oral arguments.
The suit, filed by Lagos-based lawyer Mr. Charles Musa on behalf of MRA, sought to declare the actions against Onifade as unconstitutional and demanded an independent investigation into his death. The court also directed the respondents to identify and prosecute those responsible for his demise.
Despite the lack of response from the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police, the court proceeded based on the affidavit provided by MRA’s Programme Officer. Justice Faji emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
Regarding the delay in conducting a coroner’s inquest, Justice Faji directed the Attorney-General to expedite the investigation and legal proceedings to bring justice for Onifade’s death.