COURT ORDER REOPENING OF INVESTIGATION INTO JOURNALIST DELE GIWA ASSASSINATION

Court Orders Reopening of Investigation into Journalist Dele Giwa's Assassination

File:  Dele Giwa 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to re-investigate the tragic death of Dele Giwa, the pioneering figure behind Newswatch Magazine, who was killed in 1986. Justice Inyang Ekwo's ruling also demands the prosecution of those responsible for Giwa's assassination, emphasizing the government's obligation to uphold the safety and security of journalists as enshrined in constitutional and international provisions.

The court's decision stems from a lawsuit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, seeking the protection of media practitioners' fundamental rights. Beyond Giwa's case, the court has extended its directive to include the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators involved in the killings of other journalists during their line of duty.

Dele Giwa, along with fellow journalists, founded Newswatch in 1984, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's media landscape. His untimely demise, resulting from a parcel bomb detonated in his home, remains a haunting mystery, with calls for justice echoing over the years. Notably, #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore recently renewed attention to Giwa's case, pointing fingers at former military dictator Ibrahim Babangida and urging accountability for the heinous act.

As Nigeria grapples with ensuring press freedom and protecting journalists, the court's ruling underscores the imperative of addressing past injustices and fostering an environment where media professionals can carry out their duties without fear of reprisal. Giwa's legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth and accountability, urging authorities to act decisively in delivering long-awaited justice.