‘Release body of journalist killed in 2020 #EndSARS protests’ — Press freedom actors to Nigerian gov’t

Leading press freedom organizations are calling on Nigerian authorities to take action in the unresolved killing of a student journalist four years ago during mass protests in Lagos.

Onifade Emmanuel Pelumi was covering the #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality in October 2020 as an intern with the online channel Gboah TV when he was shot.

The 24-year-old was seen taken into custody by police but his body was later found in a morgue in another part of Lagos.

In a joint statement dated September 3, the Committee to Protect Journalists, International Press Institute, and Media Foundation for West Africa demanded that Pelumi's remains be released to his family for burial.

They also called for "an effective and impartial investigation" into his death and accountability for those responsible.

"Without accountability, Pelumi's case will add to several other unresolved killings of journalists in Nigeria, perpetuating a culture of impunity," the groups said.

The statement notes that Lagos authorities said in March that an "internal investigation" was underway but have provided no updates since.

It has been "nearly four years of waiting for investigations into Pelumi's death to conclude," frustrating the journalist's loved ones.

The continued refusal to release Pelumi's body, the group say, “violates the family's customary right of burial. Promises of investigations ring hollow without disclosing what actually happened to the young reporter."

The organizations argue the Nigerian government has obligations under international laws and standards to protect journalists and ensure remedies when their rights are breached.

The press freedom advocates further noted that "without real answers or accountability, the climate remains unsafe for press freedom in Nigeria."