Six years following the disappearance of her son amidst the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations, Bosede Onifade is urging officials to turn over his remains for a proper burial. A coroner’s inquest recently verified the identity of the victim through DNA testing.
Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old mass communication intern at Gboah TV, went missing on October 24, 2020, while reporting on protests in Abule Egba, Lagos. Witnesses reported that he was shot before being taken into custody by the Lagos State Police Taskforce. In August 2024, a Federal High Court mandate prompted an inquest to determine the circumstances of his death and identify the parties responsible for his killing.
Justice Ayokunle Faji, presiding over a case brought by Media Rights Agenda, emphasized the necessity of a thorough legal review by the Attorney-General. On June 24, 2026, the coroner officially identified the body previously labeled as 1385 as that of Pelumi.
Speaking to The Guardian, Bosede Onifade expressed deep anguish over the lengthy delay, noting that she has suffered health complications and financial hardship while supporting her other children. She remains firm in her identity as ‘Mama Pelumi’ and continues to push for the release of her son’s remains so the family can find closure.
