Four years after the death of Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year-old journalist killed during the #EndSARS protest, a coroner inquest into his death has finally commenced.

The inquiry began on Thursday at a Federal High Court in Lagos. According to a press release from Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the inquest is presided over by District Coroner Taiwo Oladele and aims to uncover the truth about Onifade’s death.

This development comes three months after the Federal High Court ordered the inquest in response to a wrongful death suit MRA filed against the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

READ MORE: 4 Years on, Lagos Govt Yet to Release Slain Journalist Pelumi Onifade’s Body to Mother

In the suit, MRA demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Onifade’s death. Presiding Judge Ayokunle Olayinka Faji directed the Lagos State Attorney-General to carry out the inquest in July.

During the preliminary hearing, Oladele emphasised that the inquiry’s objective is to establish the truth behind Onifade’s death, investigate allegations of negligence and police involvement, and provide closure for his family.

At the hearing, MRA was represented by lawyers Kingsley Kenechukwu and Monday Arunsi, while Oluwaseun Akinde represented the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office.

Bose Onifade, the victim’s mother, recounted her struggles to recover her son’s body, the lack of cooperation from state actors and conflicting reports about its location.

In response to her testimony, Akinde suggested contacting the task force responsible for removing the body and other relevant authorities to obtain documentation, such as the serial number used to track its movement.

Bose also revealed that DNA samples had been collected at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the DNA Test Centre in CMS, Lagos. She had yet to receive any feedback or follow-up from either institution.

READ MORE: Court Orders Lagos Gov’t to Investigate Pelumi Onifade’s #EndSARS Protest Death

Oladele ordered that official records and documentation regarding the body’s transfer be obtained from the task force. She also mentioned that DNA testing might be necessary to confirm the identity of the body.

Additionally, she directed the compilation of a full list of all relevant parties and witnesses involved in the case before adjourning the proceedings until October 30.

FIJ has documented the various developments and inactions surrounding Onifade’s case. In July 2023, FIJ reported that, after holding Pelumi’s body for three months, the authorities decided to award his burial contract, along with 103 other victims, to a private company run by Taiwo Ogunsola, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s friend.

In October, FIJ reported how, after four years, the Lagos State Government still held on to Onifade’s body and won’t communicate with his family.