By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Lagos State Government to investigate the death of Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old reporter who died in 2020 while covering the #EndSARS protests.

The court also directed the government to conduct a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause of death and identify those responsible.

Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji delivered the judgment in a suit filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the Police and the Lagos State Government.

The court dismissed five claims against the Police due to lack of evidence but held that the Attorney-General has a duty to conduct an inquest into the circumstances of Onifade’s death.

Onifade was arrested by officers attached to a Lagos state task force while covering the protests and later found dead at a mortuary in Ikorodu.

The court directed the Attorney-General to take necessary steps to investigate the circumstances of his death and conduct a coroner’s inquest.

The judgment is a significant step towards ensuring accountability for the death of Pelumi Onifade and upholding the fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.