IBB Denies Involvement in Dele Giwa’s Assassination, Claims 'Truth Will Prevail

Former Nigerian military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has vehemently denied any involvement in the assassination of investigative journalist Dele Giwa, over three decades after the tragic event.

IBB's statement, which he made in response to ongoing speculation and accusations, comes amidst renewed interest in the case following new public discussions and documentaries surrounding Giwa's death.

In a brief statement released by his spokesperson, IBB asserted that he had no hand in the murder of the prominent journalist, who was killed by a letter bomb on October 19, 1986. “The truth will prevail, and I want to categorically state that I had no involvement in the assassination of Dele Giwa,” Babangida said. “I have always maintained my innocence, and I believe time will eventually reveal the facts of the case.”

Dele Giwa was a well-known journalist and the founding editor of Newswatch magazine. His untimely death, under mysterious circumstances, has been the subject of numerous investigations, conspiracy theories, and debates throughout the years. Despite various attempts to uncover the truth, the case remains unsolved, and no one has been officially charged in connection with the assassination.

IBB’s name has often been linked to Giwa’s death, particularly as he was the head of state at the time, with many believing that Giwa’s investigative work, which focused on high-profile government scandals, may have made him a target. However, no concrete evidence has ever emerged to implicate Babangida directly, and he has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing.

The former leader’s latest denial comes as calls for justice in the case continue, with both Nigerians and international human rights organizations pushing for the case to be revisited. Many are hopeful that new evidence or renewed interest in the investigation may finally bring closure to the Giwa family and the broader Nigerian public.

While the murder of Dele Giwa remains one of the darkest chapters in Nigerian journalism history, IBB’s statement has reignited the conversation about the need for transparency, accountability, and justice in unresolved cases from Nigeria’s military past.