\n\nA Nigerian mother, Bosede Onifade, is still seeking justice six years after her son, Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old journalism intern, was killed while covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos in October 2020.
According to reports, Pelumi was documenting the protests against police brutality when he was allegedly shot and later taken into police custody. His family searched tirelessly for him, visiting hospitals, police stations, and detention centres, but received no clear information about his whereabouts. Months later, they discovered that his body had been taken to a mortuary, but before they could recover it for burial, it reportedly went missing.
After years of legal battles, investigations, and emotional hardship, a coroner’s inquest in 2026 confirmed through DNA testing that the recovered remains were indeed Pelumi’s. Despite the identification, his family says they are yet to receive full justice or accountability for his death.
The case has once again reignited conversations about police accountability, the treatment of journalists during protests, and the unresolved legacy of the 2020 #EndSARS movement. Human rights organisations argue that many families affected by the protests are still waiting for answers, while no security personnel have been held responsible in several of the reported deaths.
Bosede Onifade says her greatest wish is to finally receive her son’s body and give him a dignified burial after years of uncertainty. Her campaign has become a symbol of the continuing struggle for justice and accountability in Nigeria, with rights advocates urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable.
The case continues to attract attention both within Nigeria and internationally, serving as a reminder of the human cost of the #EndSARS protests and the importance of protecting journalists and peaceful demonstrators.
