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IBB Speaks on Dele Giwa’s 1986 Assassination in New Autobiography

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1 month ago

Feb 21, 2025.

IBB Speaks on Dele Giwa's 1986 Assassination in New Autobiography

Giwa, known for his criticism of Babangida’s military regime, was killed by a parcel bomb at his Ikeja residence on October 19, 1986.
Military intelligence officials had previously accused Giwa of planning a socialist revolution through illegal arms stockpiling, further complicating the case.
Despite Babangida’s assertions of innocence, the circumstances surrounding Giwa’s death have been a source of controversy and speculation for decades.

In his newly released autobiography titled “A Journey in Service,” former Nigerian military president General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) vehemently denies longstanding allegations linking him to the 1986 assassination of prominent journalist Dele Giwa, Eko Hot Blog reports.

Giwa, known for his criticism of Babangida’s military regime, was killed by a parcel bomb at his Ikeja residence on October 19, 1986.

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Despite Babangida’s assertions of innocence, the circumstances surrounding Giwa’s death have been a source of controversy and speculation for decades.

Military intelligence officials had previously accused Giwa of planning a socialist revolution through illegal arms stockpiling, further complicating the case.

Late Dele Giwa

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.