News
JUST IN: Court Stops NBC from Sanctioning Broadcasters for Expressing Opinions
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.
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
News
ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
News
Meta removes 3.7 million accounts in West Africa scam crackdown
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has removed more than 3.7 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, pages and groups linked to suspected scam networks operating in West Africa.
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
The company announced the crackdown in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. It involved 14 technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency coordinated the operation with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. Nigerian authorities were involved.
Other countries included Ghana, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India.Tech companies that took part included Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, Starlink and Adobe.
Meta said the partnership let participants share intelligence across digital platforms, countries and financial systems to identify criminal networks.
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