Former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has categorically denied any involvement in the murder of renowned journalist Dele Giwa. Giwa, the Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, was killed by a parcel bomb at his Lagos home on October 19, 1986. Babangida’s denial comes in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” presented in Abuja on Thursday.
Giwa was a vocal critic of Babangida’s military government, and his assassination sparked widespread outrage and speculation about government involvement. However, Babangida maintains that the media’s adversarial attitude toward the government hindered the investigation into Giwa’s murder.¹
The events leading up to Giwa’s assassination were shrouded in controversy. Two days before his death, a senior military intelligence official accused Giwa of illegally importing arms to stage a socialist revolution. Giwa promptly briefed his lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, and received reassurances from security chief Colonel Halilu Akilu that the matter had been cleared.
Despite these reassurances, Giwa’s life was cut short when he opened a parcel bomb bearing the seal of the Presidency. Babangida’s autobiography acknowledges the ongoing speculation surrounding his government’s involvement in Giwa’s death, but he insists that the truth will eventually come to light.
The public presentation of Babangida’s autobiography was attended by prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former presidents, and captains of industry. The event also witnessed the launch of Babangida’s presidential library.
