The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from threatening, sanctioning, or punishing broadcast stations and presenters for expressing personal opinions, “bullying or intimidating” guests, or failing to maintain neutrality.

Hon. Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the interim injunction on Monday following an ex-parte application by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

The court order prevents the NBC from enforcing certain provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code that the two organisations described as vague, overly broad, and unconstitutional.

In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/854/2026, SERAP and NGE are challenging the NBC’s use of the Code to penalise broadcasters for allegedly expressing personal opinions as facts or failing to remain neutral. They argue that such provisions violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

The organisations, through their counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, contend that freedom of expression includes opinions, commentary, and analysis, and that journalism without opinion is “neither practical nor democratic.”

Reacting to the ruling in a joint statement on Tuesday, SERAP and NGE described it as “a landmark victory for freedom of expression, media freedom, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

“This is a significant victory. The court’s decision to restrain the NBC from enforcing these vague and overly broad provisions affirms that regulatory powers must be exercised within constitutional limits,” the statement said.

Justice Osiagor ordered the NBC, its officials, agents, and privies to refrain from imposing any fines, sanctions, or penalties on broadcasters based on the contested provisions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.

SERAP and NGE warned that if left unchecked, the NBC’s approach could severely undermine media freedom and public debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“A free, independent, and vibrant media is essential to credible elections. Any attempt to silence critical voices or restrict open debate undermines the public’s right to information,” they said.

The organisations urged the NBC to comply with the court order and review its regulatory framework to align with constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations under the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

They also called on Nigerian authorities to create an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear of intimidation or censorship.

A driver has been arrested following a road crash in Lagos that resulted in the death of a woman, police authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The crash occurred at the Ilaje inward Iyana Oworo area of the bridge. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle lost control and collided with the victim, leading to her immediate death at the scene.

Emergency responders and police officers who arrived at the location took the driver into custody. The deceased woman’s body has been deposited at a government mortuary for identification and autopsy.

Lagos State Police Command spokesperson confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect is currently being interrogated to determine the cause of the crash. “We are investigating possible factors such as speeding, dangerous driving, or mechanical failure,” the spokesperson said.

The Command urged motorists to observe speed limits and traffic rules, especially during peak and night hours, as the state continues to record avoidable road fatalities.

Further details on the identities of the victim and the arrested driver will be released as investigation progresses.

The fourth defendant in the alleged coup plot trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Zekeri Umoru, on Tuesday denied knowledge of any plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, insisting in a recorded statement played in court that he was “misled.”‎‎

Umoru, an employee in the maintenance department of the Presidential Villa working with Julius Berger Nigeria, made the claim in a video recording previewed by the court as part of the prosecution’s evidence against the six defendants standing trial over the alleged plot.‎‎

In the video played in open court, Umoru told investigators that he first came in contact with persons linked to the case through the third defendant, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, attached to the Presidential Clinic.

‎‎He said that Ibrahim introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, whom he later discovered was Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.‎‎

According to Umoru, he initially believed Ma’aji was “a civilian businessman” interested in offering him electrical work at a building under construction.‎‎

The defendant recounted how he allegedly received several cash payments from Ma’aji during meetings attended by Ibrahim and another associate identified as Usman.

‎‎He told investigators that during one gathering at Tiger Bar, Ma’aji allegedly gave “between N100,000 and ₦120,000” to him and his associates after he bought drinks and asked about their professions.‎‎

Umoru further stated that on September 24, 2025, Ma’aji allegedly handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag containing cash.

‎He said that he deposited the money at a Zenith Bank branch where it was counted and found to be N8.8 million.

‎‎According to him, another N2 million was allegedly given the following day during a separate meeting involving Inspector Ibrahim.‎‎

The defendant said that he later became uncomfortable with the repeated cash payments and demanded an explanation from Ibrahim.‎‎

He alleged that Ibrahim told him Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitize the government” with support from unnamed associates described as “boys.”‎

Umoru further claimed that Ibrahim spoke about involving “an ambulance driver” to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa, with expectations of financial reward.‎‎

Despite the claims, Umoru repeatedly denied knowledge of any coup plot.‎

“I was misled,” he said in the video, insisting he would have distanced himself from Ma’aji had he known that he was a military officer or had “any intention beyond business dealings.”‎‎

The defendant also admitted escorting Usman into the Presidential Villa, stating that security officials allowed the visitor entry after he indicated the man was there to see him.‎‎

He added that he later saw Usman “taking photographs” in his office and warned him against it.‎‎

Umoru expressed regret during the interview, apologising to his employers and affirming support for President Tinubu’s administration.

‎‎The court also viewed another video involving Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who denied involvement in the alleged coup plot.‎‎

Goni told investigators that monies he received from Ma’aji were strictly for “prayers and charitable purposes,” including spiritual interventions connected to alleged promotion setbacks.‎‎

However, investigators pointed to financial records allegedly showing transfers running into millions of naira, including a “₦10m transfer” in October 2024, which they said contradicted aspects of his explanation.‎‎

The prosecution further suggested that discussions referenced in the videos, including remarks about gaining access and acquiring “work tools,” raised concerns about a broader scheme, though both individuals denied any knowledge of a coup plot.

‎‎Following the preview of the video statement, counsel to the sixth defendant and senior counsel, Michael Numa, told the court he had just received the video exhibits of his client and needed more time to review them.‎‎

While the defence counsel argued for an adjournment, prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to stand by its earlier order for accelerated hearing of the case.‎‎

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter till May 11, 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.‎‎

At an earlier hearing on Monday, the court viewed separate videos in which other defendants allegedly admitted to coded communications, meetings and reconnaissance around the Presidential Villa, but denied participating in any concrete plan to overthrow the government.