Remembering Dele Giwa: Nigeria’s Fallen Journalist and the Unsolved Murder

On October 19, 1986, Nigeria lost one of its most prominent journalists, Dele Giwa, in a shocking assassination that remains one of the country’s most notorious unresolved crimes. Giwa, then 39 years old, was the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine and a fearless advocate for investigative journalism.

The Incident

Two days before his death, Giwa was interrogated by the State Security Service (SSS) over allegations of arms importation. On the morning of October 19, 1986, a parcel addressed to him as “from the president” was delivered to his Ikeja home in Lagos.

As Giwa attempted to open the package in his study, it exploded, fatally injuring him. He was rushed to a private hospital but succumbed to his injuries approximately 30 minutes later. The Newswatch London Bureau Chief, who was present at the scene, was also injured and hospitalized.

Legal Battles and Human Rights Advocacy

The murder sparked nationwide outrage. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a leading human rights lawyer and activist, spearheaded multiple legal actions to hold security chiefs accountable. Despite some initial court victories based on circumstantial evidence, the Nigerian judicial system eventually dismissed or stalled the cases due to legal amendments and other procedural hurdles.

Unresolved Questions

As of October 1999, thirteen years after Giwa’s death, the perpetrators remained unidentified, and justice had yet to be served. The case is often cited alongside other unsolved murders under the military regimes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists and the limited accountability during those periods.
While many Nigerians believe they know the identity of Giwa’s killer, the case has remained largely ignored and unresolved, leaving a lasting wound in the country’s journalistic and human rights landscape.

Legacy

Dele Giwa’s death marked a dark moment in Nigeria’s press history. His commitment to fearless reporting continues to inspire journalists and human rights advocates, reminding the nation of the critical need for press freedom and accountability.

Source: Tribute article, October 19, 1999 (Nigerian publication detailing Dele Giwa’s murder and subsequent legal struggles)