Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has once again denied allegations linking him to the assassination of Dele Giwa, the late Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine.
Giwa, a fierce critic of Babangida’s military government, was killed by a parcel bomb at his home in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 19, 1986—an event that remains one of Nigeria’s most infamous unsolved murders.
Babangida Speaks in New Autobiography
Speaking on the case in his newly launched autobiography, "A Journey in Service," Babangida lamented that media hysteria and an adversarial approach towards his government had hindered investigations.
“The hysteria of the media did not help the investigation of the Giwa murder,” Babangida wrote. “As is typical of the Nigerian media, the direction was marked by an adversarial attitude towards the government… a situation in which the government is adjudged guilty even before evidence is adduced.”
He also referenced the Obasanjo administration’s decision to revisit the case through the Oputa Panel on Human and Civil Rights, stating that despite expectations of fresh evidence, no new findings emerged.
“The Giwa case, like all mysterious murders, has remained unsolved after so many years. I keep hoping it will be uncovered in our lifetime or after us. More often than not, mysterious crimes are solved long after their commission,” he said.
The Mysterious Death of Dele Giwa
Giwa was killed two days after he was accused by military intelligence officials of illegally importing arms to stage a socialist revolution. Alarmed by the accusation, he sought legal advice from Gani Fawehinmi.
A day later, Colonel Halilu Akilu, a top security official, reportedly called Giwa, dismissing the allegations as a misunderstanding. Hours later, an envelope bearing the Presidency’s seal and marked “To be opened by addressee only” was delivered to Giwa at his home. Upon opening it at the dining table, the parcel exploded, killing him instantly.
Tinubu, Atiku, Dangote Attend Babangida’s Presidential Library Launch
Babangida’s autobiography launch in Abuja on Thursday was a high-profile event, attended by President Bola Tinubu, former presidents, and military leaders.
Dignitaries included:
- Former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo
- Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi
- NNPP’s presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso
- Business magnate, Alhaji Aliko Dangote
- Ghana’s former President, Nana Akufo-Addo (keynote speaker)
- Former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Koroma
Several governors, industrialists, technocrats, and traditional rulers were also in attendance.
While the Giwa case remains unsolved, Babangida insists that one day, the truth will emerge. However, for many Nigerians, the lingering mystery continues to fuel speculation and demand for justice in one of the nation’s most controversial political assassinations.
