DNA Tests Confirm Identity of Missing Journalist Permi Onifade
Six years after journalist Permi Onifade vanished while covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, DNA tests have conclusively established that an unidentified body recovered during the unrest was his. This revelation provides a significant milestone in the ongoing search for justice surrounding his disappearance.
Emotional Court Proceedings Mark Confirmation
In a poignant session at a Lagos coroner’s court on Tuesday, the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Center reported that the body, previously labeled ‘No.1385,’ matched the genetic profile of the Gboa TV reporter. Coroner Temitope Oladele announced that the analysis established a biological connection between the deceased and the samples submitted by Onifade’s mother, Mrs. Adebose Onifade. This conclusion ended years of uncertainty for the grieving family.
Circumstances Surrounding Disappearance Heighten Tensions
Permi Onifade disappeared on October 24, 2020, during the #EndSARS protests. Witnesses reported that he was shot and later detained by security forces, sparking widespread outrage among journalists, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates, all calling for accountability from government authorities.
Inquest Fueled by Legal Developments
The ongoing inquest is a direct result of a July 2024 ruling by Federal High Court Judge Ayokunle Fazi. The court mandated a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Onifade’s death, insisting that those responsible be identified and prosecuted. Yet, despite the DNA findings confirming the identity of the deceased, several key aspects of the investigation remain unresolved.
Autopsy Report Delays Draw Criticism
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has yet to provide the autopsy report requested by the coroner’s court, leading to frustrations from the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Alimi Adamu, the lawyer representing the Onifade family. Adamu expressed the pain of the parents, who have endured a prolonged wait for answers, noting that repeated inquiries to the hospital have yielded no response.
Legal Officials Express Concerns Over Delays
During the proceedings, Coroner Temitope Oladele voiced concerns about the ongoing delays, warning that further violations could lead to penal actions against involved officials. He cautioned, “Do not let me consider ordering the arrest of the chief prosecutor.” In reply, Mr. Adamu conveyed confidence that the court would take necessary legal actions if required.
Next Steps and Family’s Hope for Justice
Judge Oladele instructed LASUTH to issue a final administrative reminder regarding the overdue autopsy report, emphasizing that non-compliance could result in the full extent of legal repercussions being applied. The proceedings have been adjourned until July 7, 2026, leaving many questions about Onifade’s death unanswered.
Significance of DNA Confirmation Amid Ongoing Investigation
Following the trial, Adamu acknowledged the DNA confirmation as a pivotal moment in the family’s enduring quest for clarity. “Six years after his disappearance, DNA has finally bestowed upon Permi Onifade a name, a body, and a place in history,” he remarked. For the Onifade family, this confirmation brings closure to a painful chapter, even as lingering questions regarding his death and the accountability of those involved remain at the forefront of the investigation.
