A DNA test conducted by the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre has confirmed that a previously unidentified body deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary was that of Pelumi Onifade, a journalist with Gboah TV who went missing during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.

The confirmation was disclosed on Tuesday during proceedings at the coroner’s court investigating the circumstances surrounding Onifade’s death.

The investigating magistrate, Temitope Oladele, told the court that she had received a sealed report from the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre confirming a DNA match between the body, tagged as “1385,” and a DNA sample provided by the deceased journalist’s mother, Adebose Onifade.

According to records before the court, the unidentified body was deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary on November 3, 2020.

Onifade was reportedly arrested by police officers attached to the Lagos State Task Force on October 24, 2020, while covering a mob attack on a government facility in the Agege area of Lagos. Witnesses said he was taken away despite wearing a jacket clearly identifying him as a journalist.

Days later, Gboah TV announced that his body had been located at a mortuary in Ikorodu.

Seeking answers over the circumstances of his death, the Federal High Court in Lagos on July 19, 2024, ordered the Lagos State Government to conduct a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause of death and identify those responsible.

The coroner commenced hearings in October 2024 and subsequently directed the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on November 18, 2025, to conduct a post-mortem examination on the unidentified body received from Ikorodu General Hospital.

However, progress in the case suffered delays. On March 3, 2026, counsel to Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Alimi Adamu, informed the court that a prolonged strike at LASUTH had stalled compliance with the coroner’s order.

He subsequently sought a fresh directive specifically addressed to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director.

Earlier this year, LASUTH informed the court that identification efforts had been complicated because DNA samples held at the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre were reportedly destroyed during the October 2020 #EndSARS unrest.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Adamu asked whether LASUTH had complied with the court’s previous directives. In response, Magistrate Oladele said the court had not received any communication from the hospital but had received the DNA report confirming the identity of the deceased.

Oladele noted that while she did not intend to make a case for the hospital, she believed the autopsy had either been conducted or should have been completed by now.

Adamu, while acknowledging the court’s position, said the deceased’s family had endured years of waiting for answers and closure. He urged the court to issue a fresh order compelling LASUTH to produce the autopsy report.

The magistrate, however, advised that administrative measures should first be exhausted before coercive action is considered. She ordered that a final administrative reminder be sent to LASUTH for the immediate submission of the autopsy report and encouraged lawyers representing Media Rights Agenda to visit the hospital personally to facilitate compliance.

She further warned that the court would invoke its powers to compel production of the report if administrative efforts fail.

The matter was adjourned until July 7, 2026. (Nigerian Tribune)

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