The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to comply with a Federal High Court ruling directing an investigation into the death of 20-year-old journalist Pelumi Onifade, who was reportedly arrested during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020 and later found dead.
In a letter dated September 2, 2024, and addressed to the law firm of Charles Musa & Co., representing Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chief State Counsel Oluwaseun Akinde, writing on behalf of the Attorney-General, revealed that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions would request an inquest into the death. Akinde explained that the Coroner Unit of the Directorate would be tasked with contacting the State’s Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada, to initiate the inquiry.
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The letter followed an earlier correspondence by MRA’s lawyers, urging the government to “comply with the directives of the honorable court so that justice would be seen to be done and hope given to the common man that there is still justice in the judicial system.”
Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji had, on July 19, 2024, ordered the Lagos State Attorney-General to ensure a thorough investigation into Onifade’s death and conduct a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause. Although the court found no direct evidence that Onifade died in police custody, the judge emphasized the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and prosecute those responsible.
Akinde’s letter reassured that the government would follow through with the court’s orders. He also requested a copy of the court’s judgment from the law firm to proceed with the next steps.
The MRA had sued the Lagos State Government and the Police over Onifade’s death, describing the incident as a violation of his fundamental rights. The organization continues to push for accountability for the young journalist’s tragic demise.