Coroner’s Inquest into Journalist Pelumi Onifade’s Death Advances

In a significant step towards uncovering the truth behind the death of journalist Pelumi Onifade, a Lagos State District Coroner, Mrs. Temitope Oladele, has ordered the Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital to release vital records to the legal team of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA). The order, issued on Friday, August 8, 2025, is a key development in the ongoing inquest into the reporter’s death.

Mr. Pelumi Onifade, an intern with Gboah TV, reportedly died in police custody during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020. His body was subsequently found at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary.

The inquest was convened following an order from the Federal High Court in Lagos, which stemmed from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the MRA against the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Government. In a July 19, 2024 judgment, Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji had directed the Attorney-General to ensure a thorough investigation and a coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of death.

During Friday’s proceedings, MRA’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Arunsi, recounted his visit to the hospital on July 31, 2025, to obtain records related to the journalist’s body. He reported to the Coroner that the hospital’s Medical Director had refused to provide the information, citing the confidential nature of medical records and requiring a specific court order.

Following an oral application from Mr. Arunsi, the Coroner granted the request, ordering the hospital to disclose the records regarding the deposit, release, or current status of Mr. Onifade’s remains within seven days. The case has been adjourned until August 19, 2025, for further mention.