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NBC code violates freedom of expression – ECOWAS court

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The Court of the Economic Community of West African States sitting in Abuja had declared that the Nigerian Broadcasting Code used by the National Broadcasting Commission to impose sanctions and fines on broadcast stations violates freedom of expression.

The ECOWAS court made the declaration on October 23, in a judgment delivered in a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation, Expression Now Human Rights Initiative, against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The court held that the Nigerian government had failed in its responsibility to align its domestic legislation with its international obligations.

The applicant had challenged the use of the NBC Code by the Nigerian government to arbitrarily impose sanctions including fines against broadcast stations.

The court presided by Justice Dupe Atoki observed that in enacting laws “member states must give due consideration to its alignment with international guarantees and obligations like those under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.”

The applicant, represented by Solomon Okedara & Co, specifically challenged Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) 2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) that they contravene the principle of freedom of expression.

In its judgment, the court noted that Article 3(1) (1) of the Code is infinite in scope and therefore violates the provision of Article 9(1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The court noted that the provisions of Article 3(1) (2) of the Code are too ambiguous and vague and can “lead to curtailment of the right to freedom of expression.”

The court also ordered that the Nigerian government aligns Articles 3 (1) (1), 3(1) (2), 15(2) (1) of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) and Article 15 (5) (1) of the Amendments to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition) in line with its obligations under Article 1 of the ACHPR and to cease giving effect to the provisions until it has aligned the same as ordered.

In May 2023, the Nigerian Guild of Editors commended the Federal High Court Abuja, for making an order of perpetual injunctions restraining the National Broadcasting Commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country.

The court, in a judgment in May by Justice James Omotosho, held that not being a court of law, NBC had no power to impose sanctions as punishment on broadcast stations.

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FG Unmasks 60 Persons and Corporates Behind Terrorism Financing, Order Banks To Freeze Their Accounts

The updated sanctions list is part of a crackdown on financial networks supporting extremist groups, particularly following investigations into Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and other entities.

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The Federal Government on Saturday released a list of 48 individuals and 12 corporate entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing in Nigeria, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the funding of extremist activities.

The Federal Government also directed financial institutions to freeze all accounts and assets associated with these individuals and firms.

The list, published on the website of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), disclosed the nationalities of those named, their specific roles, and the terrorist groups they were allegedly connected to.

The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC) operates under the authority of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which coordinates its activities within the national security framework.

Its core mandates include the implementation of United Nations sanctions—particularly those targeting terrorism financing—ensuring compliance with international obligations, and facilitating coordination among agencies such as financial intelligence, defense, and foreign affairs.

Those named in the latest released include Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, Fatima Ishaq, Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkarim Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo

Mohammad, Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (ANSARU), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Yan Group, Yan Group NLBDG, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe.

The entities listed include West and East Africa General Trading Co. Ltd, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Limited, Eagle Square General Trading Co. Ltd, Alfa Exchange BDC, Alin Yar Yaya General Enterprises, K. Are Nigeria Limited, Suhailah Bashir General Enterprises, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Sect.

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Breaking: INEC postpones voter revalidation exercise till after 2027 elections

The decision was announced in a statement issued and signed by Mohammed Haruna, the commission’s national commissioner and chairman of its information and voter education committee.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general elections.

The decision was announced in a statement issued and signed by Mohammed Haruna, the commission’s national commissioner and chairman of its information and voter education committee.

Haruna said that the postponement followed deliberations at a meeting between the commission and resident electoral commissioners (RECs).

“Following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election,” the statement read.

(VANGUARD)

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Plateau Community Laments ‘ No Security To Repel Attackers’

Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr. Luck Titus Dakus, Mr. Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr. Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr. Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

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People of Mbwelle village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State lamented that the Thursday Late-night attack which left eight persons killed lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.

The assailants reportedly stormed the community at about 11 p.m. on Thursday, and opened fire on residents in a sporadic shooting that lasted nearly an hour.

Seven of the victims were members of the same family, while at least three others sustained injuries and several persons are missing.

Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr. Luck Titus Dakus, Mr. Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr. Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr. Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Samuel Amalau, confirmed the incident to Arise news during a phone interview, expressing concern over the recurring violence in the area.

The Chairman condemned what he described as a resurgence of unprovoked attacks in Bokkos, particularly the incident in Mbwelle community of Kwatas Ward.

The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, added that the attack has heightened tension in the area.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families, noting that the killings were “a direct assault on our collective humanity and peaceful coexistence,” while also wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

He also appealed to youths to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, even as he reaffirmed the right to lawful self-defense.

Also confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said investigations are ongoing and assured that further details would be made available.

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