A DNA analysis conducted by the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre has confirmed that an unidentified body deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary was that of late Gboah TV journalist Pelumi Onifade.
The body, identified in records as No. 1385, was reportedly taken to the hospital’s morgue on November 3, 2020, without being identified at the time.
Temitope Oladele, the magistrate presiding over the coroner’s inquest into the journalist’s death, disclosed on Tuesday that she had received a sealed report from the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre.
According to the magistrate, the report established a DNA match between the body and a sample provided by Adebose Onifade, the deceased journalist’s mother.
During the proceedings, counsel to Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Alimi Adamu, sought clarification on whether the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) had complied with an earlier court directive to produce an autopsy report.
Responding, Oladele said no response had been received from LASUTH. However, she confirmed receiving the DNA report, which verified that the previously unidentified body belonged to Pelumi Onifade.
The magistrate stated that while she did not intend to speak on behalf of the hospital, she believed the autopsy had either been carried out already or should have been completed by now.
Adamu, in his response, acknowledged the coroner’s understanding of LASUTH’s position but noted that the deceased’s family had waited for years for answers regarding their son’s death.
He urged the court to consider issuing another order directing the hospital to submit the autopsy findings.
Oladele, however, maintained that administrative channels should first be exhausted before the court resorts to coercive measures to enforce compliance.
