The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa. The group described the ban as arbitrary, illegal, and a violation of constitutional rights.
Ban Sparks Legal Action Over Freedom of Expression
NBC banned the politically charged song, claiming it breached public decency standards. The song criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. SERAP responded by filing suit FHC/L/CS/797/2025 at the Federal High Court in Lagos, calling the action unconstitutional.
SERAP Seeks Court Intervention
They asked the court to nullify the ban and issue a perpetual injunction stopping NBC from censoring the song or similar content. The organisation argued that the NBC’s directive, issued via a letter on April 9, 2025, lacked legal basis.
Ban Violates Nigerian and International Law, Says SERAP
They stressed that NBC’s order fails the tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality required by national and international law. The group pointed to Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, calling it vague and overly broad.
Censorship Threatens Democracy and Artistic Freedom
In its statement, SERAP said censoring music restricts creative expression and limits open political debate. It warned that such actions damage democratic governance and suppress dissenting voices.
International Human Rights Obligations Cited
SERAP invoked Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The group reminded the court that Nigeria, as a signatory, must uphold free expression, including artistic and political speech.
Upholding Artistic Freedom
SERAP urged the court to protect media freedom, artistic rights, and the public’s access to political expression. The court has yet to fix a date for the hearing.
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