By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accusing the agency of trampling on Nigerians’ constitutional rights by banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa.”
The NBC had barred the song from being aired on radio and television, claiming it violated public decency standards.
However, SERAP argues the real reason is its critique of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
In suit number FHC/L/CS/797/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos last Thursday, SERAP is seeking a reversal of the “arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional” ban and a perpetual injunction to stop NBC or any other body from blocking the song’s broadcast.
SERAP also wants the court to declare NBC’s April 9 directive to broadcast stations unlawful, saying it violates the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.
“The NBC is censoring under the guise of protecting public decency,” SERAP declared. “But public decency is not a licence to silence dissent or gag the media.”
The group insists the ban has a chilling effect on freedom of artistic expression and democratic engagement, warning that such censorship stifles creativity, shuts down important public debates, and threatens the very foundation of a democratic society.
Filed by SERAP’s legal team—Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Valentina Adegoke—the suit argues that the vague provisions of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code are being misused to crush artistic freedom and muzzle political critique.
“Artists don’t just entertain—they inform, provoke, and hold power accountable,” SERAP stated. “Censoring their voices is a direct assault on democracy.”
The group reminded authorities that international treaties Nigeria is signatory to—including the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—explicitly protect the right to artistic freedom and free expression.
No date has yet been fixed for hearing the case.
