A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to reopen the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the assassination of Dele Giwa, the founder of Newswatch Magazine, in 1986.

Dele Giwa was tragically killed on October 19, 1986, in his Lagos office by a letter bomb.

According to Daily Post, in his ruling on Friday, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo emphasized that the Chief Law Officer of the Federation is obligated to pursue justice and bring to account those who have perpetrated violence against media figures in the country.

In addition to the case of Dele Giwa, the court mandated that the murders of other journalists while performing their lawful duties must be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators must face legal consequences in accordance with the law.

The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda initiated legal action against the AGF, seeking the enforcement of the fundamental rights of media practitioners to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and the African Charters on Human Rights.

In his judgment, Justice Ekwo directed the Federal Government to ensure the adequate protection and safety of journalists’ lives, in accordance with the provisions of sections 33 and 39 of the Constitution, as well as Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.