Crime
IBB Denies Involvement In Dele Giwa’s Assassination
IBB Denies Involvement In Dele Giwa’s Assassination
IBB denies involvement in Dele Giwa’s assassination. Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has once again distanced himself from allegations linking him to the assassination of veteran journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, Dele Giwa.
Dele Giwa, known for his critical stance against Babangida’s military regime, was tragically killed by a parcel bomb at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 19, 1986. The shocking assassination remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial unsolved crimes.
Two days before the attack, a senior official of the Directorate of Military Intelligence had accused Giwa of stockpiling arms to incite a socialist revolution in Nigeria.
Concerned about the grave allegation, Giwa immediately contacted his lawyer, the renowned human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi.
The following day, Colonel Halilu Akilu, a security chief, reportedly reassured Giwa that the accusation was a misunderstanding and that there was no cause for concern.
However, just hours later, a parcel marked with the seal of the Presidency arrived at Giwa’s home. His son, Billy, received the package and handed it to him.
As Giwa opened the parcel at the dining table in the presence of Newswatch’s London correspondent, Kayode Soyinka, it exploded, killing him instantly and leaving a lasting mark on Nigeria’s press freedom history.
Amid longstanding allegations of government involvement, Babangida addressed the issue in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, presented in Abuja on Thursday.
He criticized the media’s approach to the investigation, stating that the adversarial stance of the press hindered efforts to uncover the truth. He expressed hope that the mystery behind Giwa’s assassination would one day be solved, either in his lifetime or in the future.
“When the Obasanjo administration reopened the case at the Oputa Panel, I expected new evidence to emerge. Unfortunately, nothing substantial came up. Like many mysterious crimes, this one remains unresolved,” Babangida noted.
The book launch was attended by notable figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Nigerian presidents, military leaders, and top business magnates such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Also present were former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo, alongside key political figures like Labour Party’s Peter Obi and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The keynote speaker was former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, joined by ex-Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma. The event also attracted governors, industrialists, technocrats, and traditional rulers.
While Babangida maintains his innocence, the Nigerian public continues to demand justice and clarity on Dele Giwa’s assassination, a case that remains an enduring mystery in the nation’s history.”
Portable Released After A Week In Police Detention In Ogun
Portable released after a week in police detention in Ogun. Portable, the controversial singer, has regained his freedom after spending a week in police custody.
On January 12, the singer was arraigned before a court in Ota, Ogun State, on charge including assault, theft, causing harm and resisting arrest.
He was also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at N12 million.
The court denied him bail after the police officer involved in the case was absent.
Portable
Portable is back after nine days behind bars and already teasing new music, I’m betting Zlatan is his first target pic.twitter.com/zbhifbEoHN
In a now-viral video, Portable is seen surrounded by his associates, who celebrated his return and repeatedly welcomed him back.
SSS Arrests Former-AGF Malami After Release From Kuje Prison
SSS arrests former-AGF Malami after release from Kuje prison. The SSS did not respond to media men’s inquiry concerning Mr Malami’s arrest on Monday.
Nigeria’s State Security Service has arrested the federation’s former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, shortly after he was released from Kuje Prison after fulfilling his bail conditions.
Mr Malami was earlier remanded in Kuje prison following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside his wife and son, for alleged corruption.
A Federal High Court last Wednesday granted Mr Malami, his wife, and his son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties each.
However, SSS operatives arrested Mr Malami’s son, Abdulaziz at Kuje Correctional Centre last Friday after he was released from prison following the fulfillment of his bail conditions.
Abubakar Malami
There are indications that Mr Malami is being probed by the SSS on allegations relating to national security concerns.
The SSS did not respond to Peoples Gazette’s inquiry concerning Mr Malami’s arrest on Monday.
However, a trending video on X showed the moment of Mr Malami’s arrest by the SSS.
SSS Amends Charge Against Sowore In Alleged Cyberstalking
SSS amends charge against Sowore in Alleged Cyberstalking. The SSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, shortly after the case was called for commencement of trial.
The State Security Service, on Monday, amended the criminal charge it filed against Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, and co-defendants over an alleged false claim against President Bola Tinubu.
The SSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, informed Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, shortly after the case was called for commencement of trial.
Mr Kehinde then pleaded that the two-count amended charge be read to Mr Sowore, who is the sole defendant in the fresh charge.
SSS Amends Charge Against Sowore
Though Mr Sowore, X, and Meta (Facebook) Inc. were earlier named as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively, in the amended charge, the names of the second and third defendants were dropped.
Counsel to Mr Sowore, Marshal Abubakar, did not oppose Mr Kehinde’s application that the charge be read to his client for him to take his plea.
After the counts were read to Mr Sowore, he pleaded not guilty.
Mr Sowore, the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, is being charged for alleged cyberstalking of Mr Tinubu using his X handle and Facebook page.
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