The Coroner Court investigating the death of Pelumi Onifade, a journalist with Gboah TV who was reportedly shot and detained during the #EndSARS protests on October 24, 2020, has directed the Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to submit a report within 14 days on an unidentified body tagged 1385.
The body, which LASUTH received from Ikorodu General Hospital on November 3, 2020, had undergone a post-mortem later that month.
The fresh order was issued by Temitope Oladele, the District Coroner,  on March 3, 2026, following a petition by lawyers representing Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Onifade family.
The order follows LASUTH’s failure to comply with an earlier court directive of November 18, 2025, which had required the hospital to provide a “comprehensive and specific report” on the body.
Speaking in court, Alimi Adamu, lead counsel for MRA and the Onifade family, informed the coroner that Pelumi’s parents, Olatunde Onifade and Bose Onifade, were present. Oladele acknowledged their presence and expressed condolences for their loss.
Adamu confirmed that a prolonged strike at LASUTH, which had delayed progress on the earlier order, had been called off. However, there was still no indication that LASUTH had complied with the directive.
The Coroner granted a fresh order specifically directing the Chief Medical Director to provide a report on body tag 1385, saying it must be submitted within 14 days of receipt. Proceedings in the matter were adjourned to March 24, 2026.
The inquest into Pelumi Onifade’s death was convened following a Federal High Court ruling after a suit by MRA against the Police and Lagos State Government.
Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji, in a judgment delivered on July 19, 2024, had directed a full investigation to ascertain the circumstances of Onifade’s death and to prosecute those responsible.
The development marks a crucial step in the ongoing effort to provide accountability and closure for the family of the slain journalist.

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