Doctor Reveals Dele Giwa's Last Words at 2026 Event

On October 19, 2026, at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos, Dokun Adedeji, the doctor who treated Dele Giwa after his assassination, revealed Giwa's last words. Giwa, the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch Magazine, was critically injured by a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986, at his home in Ikeja, Lagos.

Adedeji recounted that Giwa arrived at First Foundation Medical Centre around 12:30 pm, conscious but severely wounded. Despite his determination to survive, Adedeji noted that survival was unlikely due to the extent of his injuries.

Giwa died around 1 pm, repeatedly asking about his wife, Funmi, and youngest daughter, Aisha. He was 39 years old and known for his fearless investigative journalism.

His death occurred shortly after he was questioned by the State Security Service regarding allegations of discussing arms importation. The event was organized by alumni of Newswatch Magazine to honor Giwa's legacy.