Federal High Court Orders FG to Investigate and Prosecute Perpetrators of Dele Giwa

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Federal Government to investigate, prosecute, and punish those responsible for the murder of Dele Giwa, the founder of Newswatch Magazine, and other journalists in Nigeria. Giwa was killed on October 19, 1989, in his Lagos office through a letter bomb.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, also ordered the FG to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists and media practitioners in the future. The court's decision came in response to a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The applicant sought a declaration that the killings of journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria violate their fundamental right to life, as enshrined in the constitution and international agreements. The court noted that the AGF did not counter the applicant's arguments and deemed them to be true.

The judge listed several journalists who were murdered while on duty, including Dele Giwa, Bolade Fasisi, Edward Olalekan, Omololu Falobi, Godwin Agbroko, Abayomi Ogundeji, and Edo Sule-Ugbagwu. Justice Ekwo emphasized that journalists and media practitioners should be protected in the course of their duties.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo directed the FG to prevent attacks on journalists, prosecute perpetrators of attacks, and ensure victims have access to remedies. He also ordered the government to raise awareness and build capacity among stakeholders on laws and standards for ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners.