The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) that prohibits it from filing a lawsuit against Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa, which allegedly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
NBC banned the song from broadcasting on radio and television, citing its “offensive nature” and violation of “public decency standards.” However, Serap believes that the ban is arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional.
In a lawsuit filed in the Federal High Court of Lagos number FHC/L/CS/797/2025, Serap is seeking an order to invalidate the injunction, describing the injunction inconsistent with the right to freedom of speech, access to information and media freedom. The group also demanded a permanent ban to prevent NBC or any other agency from banning the song on Nigerian broadcast platforms.
According to Serap, NBC’s April 9 directive banned all radio stations from banning the song, which is inconsistent with the constitution and international human rights standards. The group notes that censorship under the guise of “protecting public decency” cannot justify suppressing dissent or political commentary.
Serap stresses that freedom of expression includes not only pleasant thoughts, but also those that are challenging, shocking or disturbing. It believes the ban has had a shocking impact on artistic freedom and public discourse, noting that NBC has not proved that the song could cause any particular harm to legitimate national interests.
The group also challenged Section 3.1.8 of the Nigerian Broadcasting Act, describing it as growing larger and overly invasive. It argues that vague standards such as “offensive content” and “public etiquette” should not serve as an excuse to suppress music that criticizes government policies.
The lawsuit insists that all individuals have the right to freedom of expression and artistic creativity. They believe that the ban failed to meet the legal standards of necessity and proportionality.
Serapp pointed out that art plays a crucial role in democratic societies by cultivating dialogue, counter-narrative and reflection on social issues. Suppressing such expressions kills debate and undermines democracy.
The group insists that NBC’s actions violate article 39 of the 1999 Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter for Human Rights, and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, where Nigeria is a signatory.
Article 19 of the Public Discourse on Civil Rights protects the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas in any form, including art. Serap warns that unreasonable censorship will not only harm artists, but also undermine public participation, artistic livelihoods and democratic culture.
