The Nigerian Guild of Editors has called on relevant authorities to reopen investigations into the assassination of renowned journalist and Newswatch co-founder Dele Giwa, insisting that the passage of 40 years must not extinguish the quest for justice.

Giwa was killed on October 19, 1986, by a parcel bomb delivered to his home in Lagos. Four decades later, no one has been brought to justice for the killing, which remains one of the most notorious attacks on press freedom in Nigeria.

The Guild made the call on Monday in a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, to mark the 40th anniversary of Giwa’s death and the unveiling of a book, Dele Giwa’s Granite Journalism.

Describing the unresolved assassination as a painful test of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, accountability and the rule of law, the NGE urged the authorities to examine available evidence, preserve relevant records and pursue all lawful avenues to establish the truth.

“Forty years is a long time to wait for justice. It is an unconscionably long time for a nation that claims to uphold the rule of law,” the Guild said.

It cautioned against trial by media, stressing that its demand was for a credible and impartial investigation rather than the condemnation of individuals without evidence.

“We are not calling for trial by media. We are not asking anyone to be condemned without evidence. We are demanding that a grave crime against a Nigerian citizen, a distinguished journalist and the freedom of the press should not remain an enduring symbol of impunity,” it said.

The NGE said Giwa’s assassination was not merely the killing of an individual but an attack on the freedom to question authority, expose wrongdoing and hold those in power accountable.

It described the late journalist as a professional of uncommon courage, intellectual rigour and literary elegance, whose work demonstrated that Nigerian journalism could be fearless in scrutinising power while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professional excellence.

The Guild expressed concern that the failure to resolve his murder could send a dangerous message to journalists investigating corruption or probing abuses of power.

It also called for stronger protection for journalists and urged that Giwa’s professional ideals be taught in journalism schools and preserved in Nigeria’s historical records.

The NGE commended NEWSWATCH Plus Limited and its head, Ray Ekpu, the only surviving member of the original Newswatch quartet, for preserving Giwa’s legacy through the publication of the book.

“A parcel bomb may have ended Dele Giwa’s life, but it could not extinguish the ideals he represented,” the Guild said.

“Dele Giwa is gone, but the questions his murder left behind remain alive. The man was silenced; the search for justice must not be.”