Late Dele Giwa, Co-founder and first Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch Magazine
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) expresses deep displeasure over the unresolved killing of renowned Nigerian journalist, Dele Giwa, 40 years after he was murdered through a letter bomb on October 19, 1986. Four decades later, the failure to bring those responsible to justice remains a troubling indictment of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, accountability and democratic governance.
Giwa, a co-founder and first editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, was killed at his home in Lagos in an attack that remains one of the most notorious and unresolved cases of violence against a journalist in Nigeria. His death represents not only a devastating loss to Nigerian journalism but also a painful reminder of the dangers journalists face in the pursuit of truth and public accountability.
The Centre considers the prolonged failure to resolve this case unacceptable. That such a high-profile killing of a journalist remains unsolved after four decades raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of investigations into attacks on media professionals and the consequences of allowing crimes against journalists to go unpunished. The persistence of impunity weakens public confidence in the justice system and sends a dangerous message that violence against journalists can occur without accountability.
The unresolved circumstances surrounding Giwa’s death also undermine the principles of press freedom and democracy. A free press is essential to holding power accountable, exposing corruption, informing citizens and enabling meaningful public participation in governance. When journalists are attacked or killed for their work and justice remains elusive, the entire society bears the cost.
As Nigeria reflects on this grim anniversary, WSCIJ calls on the Federal Government and relevant law enforcement and judicial authorities to renew efforts to establish the facts surrounding Giwa’s killing, pursue all credible investigative leads and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice in accordance with the law. The passage of time must not become a justification for abandoning the pursuit of justice.
The Centre further urges governments at the federal, state and local levels to make the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom clear priorities. This requires effective investigations into attacks against media professionals, the prosecution of perpetrators, safeguards against intimidation and harassment, and an enabling environment in which journalists can work without fear of violence, arbitrary detention or reprisal. Four decades after the gruesome murder of Dele Giwa, we are sadly reminded by the annual WSCIJ Journalism and Civic Space Status Reports, that journalists are still being targeted by state and non-state actors for discharging their constitutional mandate to hold government accountable and by providing citizens a voice.
Journalists remain a critical pillar of national development and a functioning democracy. Through investigative reporting and public-interest journalism, they expose wrongdoing, amplify marginalised voices, strengthen institutions and equip citizens with the information needed to make informed decisions. Protecting journalists is therefore not a favour to the media; it is an obligation to the public and a necessary condition for democratic progress.
Forty years after Dele Giwa’s death, Nigeria must confront the enduring implications of this unresolved crime. Remembering him must go beyond tributes and anniversaries. It must renew the country’s commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of those who risk their lives, safety and comfort to bring the truth to light.
Justice for Dele Giwa remains a test of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom and the rule of law.
Signed,
Motunrayo Alaka,
Executive Director/CEO
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)
