Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to reopen the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the brutal killing of Dele Giwa, the founder of Newswatch Magazine, on October 19, 1986.
The court made this ruling in response to a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda against the AGF, seeking the enforcement of the fundamental rights of media professionals to safety as guaranteed by the Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.
In addition to Dele Giwa, the court also ordered that the killings of other journalists in the line of duty be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, the court directed the Federal Government to ensure the adequate protection and safety of journalists’ lives, as enshrined in the Constitution and African Charters on Human and Peoples Rights.
The suit, filed by Media Rights Agenda, sought a declaration from the court that the killings of journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria constitute a violation of their fundamental right to life. The court found that the AGF had not presented any counterarguments to challenge the evidence presented by the applicant, and therefore, the applicant’s claims were deemed true in law.
As a result, the court ordered the Federal Government to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists and other media practitioners.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
