DNA Samples Linked To Slain Journalist Destroyed In #EndSARS Fire – LASUTH

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has informed a coroner’s court that it couldn’t identify a body believed to be that of late journalist Pelumi Onifade, allegedly killed by the police during the #EndSARS protests, because all DNA samples in its custody were destroyed during the crisis.

However, the hospital’s explanation was challenged by Media Rights Agenda’s counsel, Alimi Adamu, who urged that it was inconsistent with the known timelines.

The Coroner Inquest, presided over by Magistrate Temitope Oladele, is investigating the circumstances surrounding Onifade’s death. He was allegedly shot while covering the protests on October 24, 2020, and was later found dead.

Magistrate Oladele had summoned the management of LASUTH to produce a comprehensive report on the unidentified body believed to be that of the deceased.

However, in its reaction to the summons, the state hospital told the inquest that it cannot confirm the identity of the body due to the loss of DNA samples stored at the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, which was burned during the protests.

But in his reaction to the development, Adamu stated that official records show the DNA Centre was burned on October 23, 2020, a day before Onifade’s death.

He argued that DNA samples from the deceased’s parents were only collected days after his death, making it “untenable both logically and evidentially” to say they were among the materials destroyed in the fire.

The lawyer also maintained that the discrepancy indicates “a fundamental inconsistency in LASUTH’s explanation.”

Adamu further stated that the parents, who were present at the proceedings, were not informed that their samples had been destroyed or compromised, nor were they asked to provide new samples.

While not accusing the management of the hospital of bad faith, he insisted that the contradictions in LASUTH’s report need clarification to preserve the investigation’s integrity.

The Coroner, however, observed that although the issue of the DNA samples is material, the primary and immediate concern of the Court is to determine the location and custody of the body involved.

Magistrate Oladele stated that evidence suggests the body, tagged No. 1385, was transferred from LASUTH to another facility in Yaba, Lagos.

She held, “The identification, location, and production of the body are the main issues,” she said, adding that DNA analysis issues could be addressed once the body’s status is clear.”

The Coroner then ordered the Yaba medical facility’s Chief Medical Director to submit a detailed report on the body’s whereabouts and condition within 14 days.

She then adjourned the proceedings to April 28, 2026.