Family demands justice as 14-year-old’s corpse disappears from Lagos morgue

DDM News

The family of Mubarak Sanyaolu is seeking answers regarding the disappearance of his body from Lagos Mainland Hospital morgue.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Mubarak, a 14-year-old boy, was allegedly struck by a stray bullet on November 4, 2021, in the Meiran area of Lagos.

The bullet was reportedly fired by a police officer attempting to disperse protesting tricycle riders at the Command bus stop.

The protest erupted after police allegedly killed a tricycle rider over a disputed N100 bribe.

Mubarak, a secondary school student and apprentice, was returning from his workshop when he was hit by the bullet.

The bullet pierced his stomach, and he died instantly at the scene.

His remains were later deposited at the Lagos Mainland Hospital morgue by the police for investigation.

His family had expected updates on the case, but they claim the police have been unresponsive.

Background on Lagos and police-civilian clashes

Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and commercial hub, known for its high population and rapid urbanization.

The city experiences frequent clashes between law enforcement and civilians due to security tensions and economic pressures.

Cases of police brutality and extrajudicial killings have been widely reported in Lagos over the years.

Incidents involving police officers shooting unarmed civilians have sparked public outrage and protests.

Mubarak’s case is one of many where innocent lives were lost due to reckless police actions.

Family shocked by morgue’s missing corpse

Mubarak’s father, Olamilekan Sanyaolu, had been waiting for three years to retrieve his son’s body.

The police failed to provide updates on the investigation, leaving the family frustrated.

Olamilekan decided to bury his son at his own expense since there was no progress in the case.

On January 16, 2025, he obtained police clearance and went to the morgue to retrieve the body.

Upon arrival, morgue attendants informed him that his son’s corpse was missing.

They told him the body had likely been taken for mass burial without the family’s consent.

This revelation left Olamilekan in shock, struggling to understand how his son’s remains had disappeared.

He expressed deep frustration over being denied the right to bury his son properly.

Family demands explanations from authorities

Olamilekan is now demanding answers from both the police and the Lagos Mainland Hospital morgue.

He questioned how a body under police investigation could be removed without notification.

He described the incident as another painful loss after already grieving his son’s tragic death.

The family, through their lawyer, Olalekan Matti, sent a formal request to the hospital.

The letter demanded details regarding the alleged mass burial of Mubarak’s remains.

They specifically requested the date of the burial and the location of the mass grave.

The letter also asked for any other relevant information about the burial process.

Matti emphasized that the body should have remained available for an autopsy.

The family was not informed about any burial arrangements beforehand.

The letter urged the hospital to provide the requested details within seven days.

As of the deadline’s expiration, no response had been received from the hospital.

Government and police remain silent

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has yet to address the situation.

Calls to the ministry’s spokesperson, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, went unanswered.

Text messages sent to his phone have also received no response.

The police have not provided any explanation regarding the missing corpse.

There is growing suspicion of a possible cover-up by the authorities.

Many believe the disappearance raises serious concerns about police accountability.

The lack of transparency has worsened the family’s frustration and pain.

Call for justice and proper investigation

Olamilekan insists that the police and hospital management must take responsibility.

He stated that his family deserves to know what happened to Mubarak’s body.

He described the situation as deeply painful and unjust.

Human rights activists have condemned the disappearance of the corpse.

They argue that it violates the family’s rights and dignity.

Some activists have called for an independent investigation into the case.

Legal experts believe the authorities must provide a full report on the matter.

The public is demanding accountability and transparency in handling the case.

Pattern of police brutality in Lagos

Cases of police brutality in Lagos have drawn widespread criticism in recent years.

Many families struggle to get justice after losing loved ones to police violence.

Institutional delays and lack of accountability make it difficult to prosecute officers involved.

Mubarak’s case is another example of police misconduct and neglect.

The family’s ordeal highlights the challenges victims’ relatives face in seeking justice.

Calls for police reforms have been growing in Nigeria due to repeated abuses.

Family’s continued search for justice

Olamilekan vows to keep fighting for justice despite the setbacks.

He believes his son deserves a dignified burial, not an unmarked mass grave.

His family remains determined to uncover the truth behind the missing body.

They are calling on government officials to intervene and investigate the matter.

Activists have urged the Lagos State Government to ensure accountability.

Mubarak’s tragic death and missing body remain a symbol of police brutality.

The family hopes that justice will eventually be served.

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