Law

Justice Reignited: Court Orders Reopening of Investigation into Dele Giwa’s Assassination.

Dele Giwa was known for his fearless pursuit of truth and commitment to holding power to account through investigative journalism.

Published

2 months ago

February 16, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Justice Reignited: Court Orders Reopening of Investigation into Dele Giwa's Assassination

In a historic ruling, The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a landmark ruling, directing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to reopen the investigation into the 1986 assassination of Dele Giwa, the renowned founder of Newswatch Magazine.

This development marks a significant step towards addressing one of Nigeria’s most infamous and unsolved murders, shedding light on the tragic death of a fearless journalist whose legacy continues to inspire.

Dele Giwa, a prominent figure in Nigerian journalism, met his tragic demise on October 19, 1986, when a letter bomb exploded in his Lagos office, marking one of the nation’s most notorious and unresolved murders.

Presiding over the case, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo emphasized the AGF’s obligation to pursue justice for media practitioners, including Giwa, whose lives were cut short in the line of duty.

The court’s verdict also extends the call for accountability to encompass other journalists who have fallen victim to targeted attacks while fulfilling their lawful responsibilities.

The lawsuit, initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), sought to enforce the fundamental rights of media professionals to safety as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.

Justice Ekwo’s ruling underscores the imperative of protecting journalists’ lives, drawing reference from constitutional provisions and international human rights instruments.

Dele Giwa’s legacy looms large in Nigerian journalism, characterized by his fearless pursuit of truth and commitment to holding power to account. His untimely death has remained a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists in the pursuit of their profession.

The court’s directive represents a significant stride towards ending the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against media personnel in Nigeria, signaling a renewed commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring justice for those who have paid the ultimate price for truth-telling.

Dele Giwa, an illustrious figure in Nigerian journalism, met a tragic end on October 19, 1986, when he was assassinated in his Lagos office. The method of his murder was as chilling as it was brazen: a letter bomb exploded while Giwa was opening his mail, fatally injuring him and leaving a permanent scar on the nation’s journalistic landscape.

The alleged prime suspect in the assassination is believed to be linked to the Nigerian security establishment at the time. Speculation has swirled around a network of powerful figures within the government, with suspicions pointing towards individuals who may have sought to silence Giwa’s outspoken criticism and investigative journalism.

Despite decades passing since the heinous crime, the identity of the mastermind behind Dele Giwa’s assassination remains shrouded in mystery, with no conclusive resolution to the case. Yet, the relentless pursuit of justice continues, fueled by the determination to hold accountable those responsible for silencing one of Nigeria’s most fearless voices.

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