Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has once again denied any involvement in the 1986 assassination of veteran journalist Dele Giwa, who was killed in a parcel bomb attack at his Ikeja residence. Giwa, a vocal critic of Babangida’s regime, had been accused by a senior military official of illegally stockpiling arms ahead of a socialist revolution just days before his death.
In his autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida dismissed the longstanding allegations against him, stating that the media’s hysteria surrounding the case hindered a proper investigation. He also expressed hope that the truth behind Giwa’s death might eventually come to light, noting that many mysterious crimes are often solved long after they occur. He criticized the media for an adversarial approach to the government, which he felt painted it as guilty before any evidence was presented.
Babangida’s comments came during the public presentation of his autobiography, which coincided with the launch of his presidential library in Abuja. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, former presidents, and other influential political and business leaders.
Notably present were former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo, as well as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, presidential candidates from the 2023 elections. Former Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone were the keynote speakers, highlighting the significance of the event. The gathering also included governors, traditional rulers, and key industrialists such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
