BREAKING: Court Orders AGF To Resume Trial Of Dele Giwa’s Murderers
In a significant ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) to reopen investigations and prosecute those responsible for the murder of Dele Giwa, the founder of Newswatch Magazine, in 1986.
Dele Giwa tragically lost his life on October 19, 1986, in his Lagos office as a result of a letter bomb.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, delivering the judgment on Friday, emphasized that the Chief Law Officer of the Federation holds the responsibility to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of violence against media practitioners in the country.
In addition to the case of Dele Giwa, the court ruled that the murders of other journalists while carrying out their lawful duties should be thoroughly investigated, with the culprits brought to justice in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) initiated the legal action against the AGF, seeking the enforcement of fundamental rights of media practitioners to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.
In his judgment, Justice Ekwo directed the Federal Government to ensure the adequate protection and safety of journalists’ lives, as outlined in sections 33 and 39 of the Constitution, as well as Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charters on Human and Peoples Rights.
