NBC Ban On Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song Unconstitutional – Amnesty

FRIDAY April 11, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has condemned the recent decision by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to ban Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song, Tell Your Papa, labelling the move a “clear violation” of the right to freedom of expression and access to information.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, Amnesty International described the ban as “unlawful, arbitrary, and deeply worrying,” asserting that it reflected a dangerous trend of censorship and intolerance by the authorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“The National Broadcasting Commission’s blatant ban of broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information,” the organisation said.

NBC had classified the politically charged song, which criticises the government and highlights social and economic hardship, as “Not To Be Broadcast,” citing provisions in the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.

However, Amnesty International said the move lacked any legal or moral justification.

“Categorizing the song as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ for solely being critical of the government and people in power is an abuse of power and is unacceptable,” Amnesty said, noting that the action was “entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the right to access information and media freedom in Nigeria.”

The group further called on President Tinubu to “immediately direct the NBC to withdraw the bizarre ban which violates a range of human rights.”