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JUST IN: NBC Vows To Appeal Judgements Against Its Regulatory Mandates

Published

3 years ago

May 12, 2023

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National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has vowed to appeal against the judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the powers of the Commission to impose fines on broadcast stations that violates the provisions of the country’s Broadcasting codes.

Reacting to the ruling , NBC Director-General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, said : ” NBC will appeal against the judgement when found to be in conflict with the previous judgements of the Court, which empowers the Commission to regulate Broadcasting in Nigeria.”

He said that the Commission has applied for a certified copy of the judgement.
It is a global best practices and the ethics of the legal profession, that no party can freely comment on a judgement it has not seen and read,” he said.

Ohibaba.com reported that in the previous judgements, an Abuja-based Federal High Court had ruled that the NBC had the authority to impose sanctions on errant stations.

At the time, Justice N. E. Maha in April 2022 had ruled in a case brought against NBC by seven organisations led by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

In a Certified True Copy of the judgement, Justice Maha had interpreted the provision of Section 2(1)(n) of the NBC Act, 1992.

The provision states, “The Commission shall have the responsibility of determining and applying sanctions including revocation of licences of defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in public interest.”

Relying on the provision, Justice Maha held, “The law is settled that a regulator imposing fines under its enabling law in the discharge of its functions could not have acted unconstitutionally.
In Moses Ediru v Federal Road Safety Commission and 20 ors(supra) the court held that the FRSC Act gives the Commission the right to impose and enforce sanctions and such right does not derogate from the judicial powers of the court as provided in the constitution.

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Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, in picture

Remembering the fallen heroes and the living soldiers

Published

2 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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Location: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, 15 January, 2026

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FG releases Senator Akpoti- Uduagan”s travel document after withdrawal of defamation charges

Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

Published

2 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

5 Views

• Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan feeling happy in the court room.

‎Following the Senate president ‘s Goodwill Akpabio ‘s New Year forgiveness, the Federal Government on Thursday officially withdrawn the criminal charges of defamation levelled against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government, through the Attorney General’s office, discontinued the case

at the High Court in Abuja.

‎The AGF had filed a notice of discontinuance on 12 December 2025.
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Justice Chizoba Orji , during Thursday’s proceedings, struck out the suit and discharged the defendant.
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‎The trial judge also made further orders releasing the Senator’s travel papers as well the title deeds of her sureties.
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‎This ends a protracted legal battle that began in July 2025, sparked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations against Akpabio during Senate plenary sessions.
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‎The withdrawal caps months of litigation that caused a rift in the 10th Senate and fueled debates on political accountability versus personal vendettas.

Reacting, senator Akpoti- Uduagan said that the development vindicated her position and reaffirmed her confidence in the rule of law.

“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She expressed gratitude to her legal team, constituents, and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal process.

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Delta Governor Oborevwori gifts 65 SUVs to traditional rulers

In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.

Published

9 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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•Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to traditional rulers across the state.

During the presentation of the 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers to the beneficiaries, Oborevwori described traditional fathers as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability.

Governor Oborevwori said that the decision to provide rugged SUVs was deliberate, given the rural and difficult terrains in which many traditional rulers operate.

He emphasised that traditional rulers are not merely custodians of customs, norms and traditions but vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots.

Oborevwori explained that the state’s traditional rulers have made governance easier and more effective for him.

He assured the governor of the traditional institution’s unwavering support for his administration.