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Court Strikes Down NBC’s Power To Fine Media Houses, Declares Actions Unlawful

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) lacks the legal authority to impose fines or unilaterally penalize independent media organizations in Nigeria.

The judgment effectively nullifies the N5 million fines imposed on four media outlets in 2022 and restricts the NBC from further sanctions without judicial oversight.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Nicholas Oweibo in June 2024, followed a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

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The certified true copy of the judgment was made public last Friday.

Justice Oweibo held that the NBC’s imposition of fines on Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria, NTA-Startimes, and Telcom Satellite Limited violated constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.

He described the sanctions as unlawful, emphasizing that the NBC had acted without proper legal authority.

“The NBC and its agents lack the legal power and authority to impose penalty unlawfully and unilaterally, including fines, suspension, withdrawal of license or any form of punishment whatsoever on independent media houses for promoting access to diverse information on issues of public importance,” Justice Oweibo declared.

The court also struck down the provisions of the National Broadcasting Commission Act and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code that had been used to justify the penalties, describing them as inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws.

Fines on Media Outlets Overturned

In 2022, the NBC fined the media houses N5 million each for airing documentaries on terrorism, including the BBC’s Africa Eye production “Bandits Warlords of Zamfara.”

The commission alleged that the documentaries glorified banditry and threatened national security.

Justice Oweibo dismissed these claims, stating that the NBC’s actions breached constitutional safeguards and undermined judicial due process.

“A fine is a criminal sanction, and only the court is empowered by the Constitution to impose it,” the judge ruled.

SERAP and CJID’s Legal Standing Upheld

The court also addressed NBC’s challenge to the legal standing of SERAP and CJID in filing the lawsuit. Justice Oweibo ruled that the organizations were well within their rights to sue, describing the case as one of significant public interest.

“SERAP and CJID have been vested with locus standi… Considering their core mandates and the affidavit in support of their suit, it is to be seen that this is a public interest case,” he said.

The judge added that NBC’s actions violated fundamental rights under sections 22, 36, and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as Articles 1, 7, and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The court granted several declarations and orders in favor of the plaintiffs, including:

A declaration that the fines imposed on the media houses were unlawful and violated the principles of legality and proportionality.

An order setting aside the N5 million fines imposed on Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria, NTA-Startimes, and Telcom Satellite Limited.

A perpetual injunction restraining the NBC from imposing further penalties on media houses without judicial authorization.

Reactions to the Judgment

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, welcomed the judgment and urged immediate compliance.

“We urge the NBC to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by immediately obeying and respecting the judgment of the court,” he said.

Oluwadare also called on President Bola Tinubu to direct relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Information and Culture, to disclose agreements impacting media freedom, such as the NBC’s deal with Twitter.

“The immediate enforcement and implementation of the judgment will be a victory for the rule of law, freedom of expression, and media freedom in Nigeria,” he added.

This ruling is seen as a significant victory for press freedom in Nigeria, particularly as journalists and media organizations face increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Legal experts say the judgment reaffirms the judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights and ensures that regulatory bodies like the NBC operate within the bounds of the law.

Justice Oweibo emphasized the need to protect public interest, noting that punishing media houses for documentaries addressing critical security issues could have a chilling effect on journalism.

 

 

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‘Becoming Nigeria’s President Is a Divine Blessing’ – Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, saying his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a privilege that must be matched with dedicated service to the country.

Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.

SEE MORE: APC Defends Tinubu Over Electricity Promise, Says President Is Tackling Sector’s Challenges

Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing, considering the millions of people in the country.

“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.

The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.

Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, he said he had asked Allah to bless the journey and promised to return to express gratitude.

Tinubu also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority, with the power to give and take leadership.

He said the message reinforces the need for those entrusted with positions of authority to exercise power responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young Nigerians and pursuing development in line with the aspirations of the people.

Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, adding that it reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

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Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

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The Ogun State Police Command has received three major honours at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council’s Golden Jubilee Press Week, with Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni named a Golden Jubilee Ambassador.

The Command received the Shield of Public Safety Award, while its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, was presented with the Vanguard of Public Safety Award.

The recognition formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the NUJ in Ogun State, which coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary.

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According to a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi, the awards recognised the Command’s commitment to public safety, proactive policing and effective engagement with the media.

The Golden Jubilee Press Week, held from October 26 to November 1, 2026, was themed, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”

Ojajuni also participated in a panel session during the celebration, where he urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and patriotism, stressing the importance of responsible journalism to national development and public confidence in public institutions.

While receiving the Shield of Public Safety Award, the police commissioner attributed the Command’s achievements, particularly the impact of Operation KOSAYE, to the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, under the Handshake Patrol initiative.

He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the IGP through collaboration between the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, with support from the governors of both states.

According to him, the initiative strengthened security cooperation between the two states and improved coordinated efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.

Ojajuni was also named among 50 distinguished personalities recognised as Golden Jubilee Ambassadors.

The honour reflects his leadership and previous contributions to policing in Ogun State, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and Squadron Commander of the 16 Police Mobile Force, Abeokuta, before becoming commissioner.

Similarly, Babaseyi received the Vanguard of Public Safety Award in recognition of his contributions to police-public communication, media engagement and public safety advocacy.

The commissioner dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices in protecting lives and property.

The Command also commended the NUJ Ogun State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for the recognition and its role in promoting constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, noting that effective policing depends not only on operational deployment but also on public trust, timely information and stakeholder engagement.

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Insecurity: Radda Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Partnership to Protect Farmers, Communities

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with the government and security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect farmers, traders and other residents across the state.

Radda made the appeal during a meeting with the District Head of Bakori, Alhaji Garba Tukur Idris, Makaman Katsina, and other traditional leaders in Bakori Local Government Area.

The engagement, which formed part of activities of the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 Campaign Council, was disclosed in a statement issued on November 1, 2026, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

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The governor said traditional institutions remained essential to efforts to achieve lasting security and development, particularly because of their influence and close relationship with local communities.

“Government cannot achieve sustainable security and grassroots development without the active cooperation of traditional rulers, community elders and other local stakeholders,” Radda said.

He urged traditional leaders to work more closely with security agencies and other community stakeholders to address security threats and strengthen peace across their respective communities.

“Your role in maintaining peace and order in our communities is very important. We need your cooperation to address security challenges and advance development at the grassroots,” he added.

Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening security operations and ensuring farmers could access their farmlands while traders conducted their businesses without fear.

He called for a coordinated approach involving traditional rulers, security agencies, political leaders, youths and women, stressing the importance of collective action in tackling insecurity and creating economic opportunities.

In his response, the District Head of Bakori, Garba Tukur Idris, welcomed the governor and his delegation, commending the engagement and the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.

Idris identified agriculture, trading and commerce as the major economic activities in Bakori, while highlighting the area’s skilled and unskilled labour force, dams and boreholes as resources that could support increased agricultural productivity and attract investment.

He also commended the cooperation among traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies and residents in maintaining peace, urging stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to protect their communities.

The Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Barde, said the delegation was also in the area to seek the blessings and support of traditional rulers and community stakeholders for the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 campaign.

The delegation included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal; Campaign Director-General, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Campaign Council Co-Chairman, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; Deputy Director-General, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and Secretary-General, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, among others.

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