“Pelumi Onifade’s Death: A Call for Justice in Nigeria’s Press Freedom Crisis”
“Explore the Untimely Death of Nigerian Journalist Pelumi Emmanuel Onifade During the Protests and the Ongoing Fight for Justice and Press freedom in Nigeria.”
Introduction:
Onifade’s tragic demise during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020 has become a poignant symbol of the challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria His story underscores the urgent need for Systemic reforms to protect press freedom and ensure accountability for crimes against journalists..The un timely death of Pelumi Emmanuel Onifade, a 20-year-old Nigerian journalist, has cast a long shadow over the nation’s press freedom landscape.
Background:
At the time of his Death, Onifade was a Sophomore history Student at Tai Solarin University of Education and an Intern Reporter with Gboah TV, an online news channel based in Lagos. During his assignment, he filmed a report Showing Olusegun Abiodun Bolarinwa, President of the Yoruba Youth Forum, allegedly shooting into a Crowd of Protesters. Subsequently, he proceeded to cover an Attempted break – in at a government facility in Agege, after which he was arrested by officers of the Lagos State Task Force.
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Legal and Judicial Developments:
They argue that without Accountability, his case risks becoming another statistic in a growing list of An resolved Journalist Killings AT Nigeria, fostering a culture of impunity and self-censorship.The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), along with other media rights organizations, has consistently demanded a thorough investigation into Onifade’s death.
In August 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the state government to investigate Onifade’s Death and Conduct a Coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of death and identify those responsible . Justice Ayokunle Faji emphasized that the Attorney-General had an obligation to investigate crimes committed against Onifade, a journalist exercising his right to freedom of expression.The court’s ruling followed a suit filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the police and the Lagos State Government.
This ongoing situation high lights the persistent Challenge in securing justice for Slain journalists in Nigeria.Despite the Court’s Directive, as of Early 2025, Onifade’s body has not been Released to his family for Burial, and the Investigation into his Death remains inconclusive..
Calls for Justice:
The Continued refusal to Release Pelumi’s body Violates the family’s customary rights, preventing them from providing a proper burial.. Media rights organizations, including CPJ, MFWA, and IPI, have petitioned the Lagos State Governor to intervene and ensure that justice is served.The lack of transparency and accountability in the investigation further exacerbates the situation, contributing to a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists.
Conclusion:
The Tragic Death of Pelumi Emmanuel Onifade Serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in Nigeria and the pressing need for Systemic Reforms to protect press freedom. Un til those Responsible for his Death are held accountable, Onifade’s story will remain a poignant symbol of the struggle for press freedom in Nigeria. His Case Continues to resonate with media rights groups, human rights advocates, and the international community, all of Whom Call for Justice and Accountability.
Call to Action:
Support press freedom initiatives, stay informed about developments in this case, and advocate for the rights of journalists in Nigeria and beyond.The fight for Justice for Pelumi Emmanuel Onifade is far from Over. It is Imperative that the Nigerian Authorities up hold the rule of law and Ensure that Journalists can Perform their duties without fear of retribution.