The fight for justice for Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old intern killed during Nigeria's anti-police protests in 2020, continues as his mother Bosede Onifade seeks to retrieve his body for burial after six years of legal battles and emotional turmoil.
Background of the EndSars Protests
The #EndSars movement began in October 2020 to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit notorious for brutality and extortion. What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into a crackdown by state forces, resulting in dozens of deaths and disappearances.
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Pelumi Onifade was filming a protest in Abule Egba, Lagos State, when witnesses say he was shot by members of the Lagos police taskforce and dragged into a van. His body was later found in a morgue but disappeared before the family could claim it.
Key Events in the Six-Year Fight
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 24, 2020 | Pelumi goes missing while covering protests |
| October 30, 2020 | Body found in Ikorodu morgue but disappears |
| 2020-2024 | Family attends judicial panels, provides DNA, attends court hearings |
| June 24, 2026 | Coroner's inquest confirms body was Pelumi via DNA match |
| July 29, 2026 | Case adjourned again; family awaits resolution |
Challenges Faced by the Family
The Onifade family has faced numerous obstacles, including delays in the judicial system, lack of transparency from authorities, and emotional exhaustion. Bosede Onifade has repeatedly pleaded with the government to release her son's body for a proper burial.
- Lack of accountability: No police officers have been charged in connection with Pelumi's death.
- Judicial delays: The coroner's inquest took nearly six years to confirm the body's identity.
- Emotional toll: The family continues to grieve without closure.
- Media attention: International press coverage has pressured authorities but yielded limited results.
Impact on Nigerian Civil Society
The EndSars protests highlighted systemic police brutality in Nigeria, sparking global outrage. However, the lack of justice for victims like Pelumi undermines trust in the government's commitment to reform. Activists continue to demand accountability and transparency.
FAQ
What happened to Pelumi Onifade?
Pelumi Onifade was a 20-year-old intern killed while covering the #EndSars protests in Lagos, Nigeria, in October 2020. His body was found but later disappeared from a morgue.
Why has the family not received his body?
Despite a coroner's inquest confirming the body's identity via DNA in June 2026, the case has been adjourned multiple times, and authorities have not released the remains.
What is the EndSars movement?
EndSars was a protest movement in 2020 calling for the disbandment of Nigeria's Special Anti-Robbery Squad, known for human rights abuses and police brutality.
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