Former Nigerian military president General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) has rejected allegations of his involvement in the 1986 parcel bomb assassination of prominent journalist Dele Giwa, making the denial in his newly released autobiography “A Journey in Service.”
Giwa, who served as Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine and was known for criticizing Babangida’s military government, was killed when a parcel bomb exploded at his Ikeja residence on October 19, 1986. The incident occurred shortly after military intelligence officials had accused him of planning a socialist revolution through illegal arms stockpiling.
In his autobiography, launched Thursday in Abuja, Babangida addressed the long-standing allegations, suggesting that media hysteria had hampered the investigation. “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,” he wrote.
The high-profile book launch drew notable attendees including President Bola Tinubu, former presidents, former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo, as well as recent presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The event also marked the inauguration of Babangida’s presidential library and featured former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo as keynote speaker.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
