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Eyebrows as lecturer mandates OAU students to pay ₦16,100 for course material

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Eyebrows as lecturer mandates OAU students to pay ₦16,100 for course material

CONCERNS have emerged at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, after a class message surfaced directing  students  of a particular department to pay ₦16,100 for a compulsory course manual, ICIR has learnt.

In the message obtained by The ICIR, a class representative informed students of the commencement of payment for a CHM 102 manual, providing bank details and warning that failure to comply could affect record-keeping of payments.

“This is to officially inform all Exaltatus that payment for the CHM 102 Manual has commenced… Amount: ₦16,100,” the notice read, adding that students must upload proof of payment and submit receipts through designated channels.

Reacting to the development, a source who spoke to The ICIR described the situation as part of a broader pattern of exploitation targeting students in the institution.

“Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University have been under extreme extortion by the lecturers, especially the Year 1 (100 level) students,” the source said.

The source further questioned the scale of the charges, particularly given the size of affected classes.

“Imagine a class of more than 5,000, and sometimes 10,000 or more, buying soft copy handouts (ceremoniously called manuals) for N16,000,” the source added.

According to the source, the manuals are digital that cost significantly less to produce, raising concerns about the amount being generated from students.

“That’s whooping N10 million to N20 million for an item that costs less than N500 to develop and distribute in such volumes,” the source said.

The source also alleged that the fees have steadily increased over time, from about ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 in earlier semesters to the current amount, with students left with little choice but to comply.

“Sadly, the students and parents do not have ways out but give in,” the source stated.

Call and texts sent to the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Recall that the the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Nigeria, ASUU, had expressed displeasure at the mandatory sale of handouts by some lecturers in tertiary institutions.

Biodun Ogunyemi, former President of the union, expressed this view in a previous interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

“It is not wise for lecturers in our tertiary institutions to compel students to be buying handouts, though it is not a widespread practice; we have few people that are misbehaving.

“But the system has a way of handling them, so anywhere they see them they always put them on check.

It is not permitted in the system and there is a structure for tracking and dealing with that so ASUU as a union don’t condone it and we discourage it anywhere and everywhere we go,” he said.

However, many Nigerian students still suffer silently in some tertiary institutions where lecturers extort money from them in the name of selling of handouts.

 

Obi tackles Tinubu on power, cites Jos comment as confirmation of failed promise

Mustapha USMAN
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Obi tackles Tinubu on power, cites Jos comment as confirmation of failed promise

FORMER presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s electricity crisis, saying the president’s recent comment during a visit to Plateau State reflected a failure to meet earlier campaign promises.

In a statement on Saturday, April 4, Obi recalled Tinubu’s pledge during the 2023 presidential campaign that Nigerians should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver constant electricity within four years.

Obi argued that the country’s power situation had worsened since 2023, noting that average electricity generation dropped below 4,000 megawatts, while tariffs have increased.

He also said Nigeria’s per capita electricity consumption remained among the lowest globally, placing it below 30 per cent of Africa’s average.

According to him, Africa’s average consumption stands at about 617 kilowatt-hours (kWh), compared to Nigeria’s 144 kWh.

“When he took office in 2023, Nigeria had a power supply of over 4,000 megawatts and lower tariffs. Today, the electricity power supply is less than 4,000 megawatts on the average, and Nigerians are paying higher tariffs. Nigeria currently has the lowest per capita electricity consumption in the world, with a rate below 30 per cent of the African average. Africa’s average is 617kwh, Nigeria’s is 144 kWh. This means that Nigerians consume least electricity than other Africans,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor referenced Tinubu’s remarks during a condolence visit to Jos on April 2, following recent attacks in the state.

During the visit, Tinubu acknowledged power challenges at the airport, saying, “You have no light at the airport, and I have to fly back within the next 10 minutes…”

He said this while addressing victims of the attacks who were brought to him at the airport from their communities across the state.

Reacting further, Obi described the president’s comment on electricity as a reflection of the country’s persistent power challenges and a contradiction of earlier assurances.

“At a time when Nigerians are enduring days without power, our leaders cannot even stay a few minutes without it,” Obi said.

He accused the administration of showing disregard for its promises and urged Nigerians to reject what he described as incompetent leadership, reiterating his position that “a new Nigeria is possible.”

The ICIR reports that ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu repeatedly emphasised power sector reform as a cornerstone of his campaign.

He promised to tackle Nigeria’s chronic electricity shortages and improve generation, transmission, and distribution.

At campaign events, he assured voters that stable electricity was achievable within a single term, stating that if he failed to provide constant power within four years, Nigerians should not re-elect him.

However, the state of Nigeria’s power sector under his watch has drawn increasing attention, with many Nigerians lamenting persistent blackouts and unstable electricity supply.

Media, CSOs condemn Wike, demand apology over threat to Okinbaloye

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA  and  Esther Tomo
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Media, CSOs condemn Wike, demand apology over threat to Okinbaloye

A COALITION of press freedom and civil society groups has faulted the comments by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following his threat to broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television.

The ICIR reported that the minister said he could have shot the broadcaster while addressing journalists during a media chat in Abuja.

The journalist had raised concern that the 2027 general election could end up being dominated by a single political party. He referenced the internal crisis affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that the situation was troubling.

Okinbaloye said Nigeria “is doomed democratically” if the ADC, which he described as the only credible opposition, fails to participate in the 2027 elections.

Wike, responding to the comments, said: “I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

In a statement on Saturday, April 4, signed by 14 organisations, comprising media and CSOs, the coalition criticised the minister’s language and called for immediate redress.

The group asked him to withdraw the remark, apologise to the journalist and the media community, and clearly show again that he supports peace and press freedom, as required by the constitution he swore to follow.

While noting that the minister later said he had no intention of harming Okinbaloye, the group insisted that his remark was unacceptable. According to them, “even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless.

The coalition warned that any form of threatening language, whether direct or implied, could endanger journalists and weaken confidence in democratic processes.

It urged public office holders to communicate responsibly and maintain civility in public discourse.

The group also highlighted Nigeria’s press freedom challenges, noting that the country ranked 122 out of 180 on the global index, an indication of the difficult conditions under which journalists operate.

“Media professionals are routinely monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested, particularly during electoral campaigns. Incidents like this can further imperil journalists and highlight the urgent need for balanced and responsible political engagement, especially from public officials.”

The coalition further urged political leaders and institutions to reject hostile rhetoric against the media and instead encourage constructive engagement, even when opinions differ sharply.

It anchored its position on Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which recognise the role of the press in holding leaders accountable and guarantee the right to freely express and share information.

Signatories to the statement include the International Press Institute, International Press Centre, Media Rights Agenda, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development, Centre for Media and Society, YIAGA Africa, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Global Rights, Dataphyte Foundation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, TechHer, Kebekatche Women Development Resource Centre, and DigiCivic Initiative.

 

After ICIR report, UDUS names staff in fresh dismissal over NYSC scam

Editorial
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After ICIR report, UDUS names staff in fresh dismissal over NYSC scam

By Abdullahi Muritala

USMANU Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) has, for the first time in recent disciplinary actions, publicly identified a staff member dismissed for misconduct, a move that followed a scrutiny triggered by an earlier report by The ICIR highlighting double standards in the institution’s handling of sanctions.

The university recently announced the dismissal of a staff member, Garba Ahmed, over his alleged involvement in the illegal mobilisation of unqualified students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Unlike previous cases, UDUS disclosed the identity of the staff member in its official statement.

In the statement, the Director Information and Public Relations of the University, Ismaila Yauri, said the decision was taken at the university governing council’s 176th meeting held on April 1, 2026.

The staff member, before his dismissal, worked in the Registry Department and was found guilty of gross misconduct.

This marks a shift from the pattern established in The ICIR’s earlier report, which revealed that while the university routinely published names and details of expelled students, it withheld the identities of lecturers and staff dismissed for serious offences, including result manipulation and sexual harassment.

The ICIR report sparked conversations around transparency and accountability within the institution, with stakeholders questioning the fairness of exposing students while shielding staff involved in comparable or more severe misconduct.

The latest development points to a possible response to the criticism, with the university taking a more transparent step by identifying the dismissed staff member in a case of significant public interest.

Although UDUS has not explicitly linked the change to the earlier report, the decision to disclose the staff member’s identity represents a notable departure from its previous communication style and signals a possible shift toward greater accountability.

 

Onyejeocha resigns as minister amid wave of exits ahead of 2027 elections

Mustapha USMAN
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Onyejeocha resigns as minister amid wave of exits ahead of 2027 elections

NKEIRUKA Onyejeocha has stepped down as Minister of State for Labour and Employment, joining other political appointees leaving office ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Friday, April 3, Onyejeocha described her exit as the end of a “significant chapter” in her public service, thanking the Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve.

She expressed appreciation for the president’s trust and leadership, noting that working under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was both an honour and a privilege.

The former minister also commended the staff of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for their dedication, saying their collective efforts helped advance policies that improved workers’ rights, workplace safety, and employment opportunities.

She extended gratitude to her constituents in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency and Nigerians at large for their support during her tenure, adding that she remains committed to national development.

“This period marks the end of a significant chapter in my journey of service as I formally resign as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment,” she wrote.

While it is unclear what prompted her resignation, it may not be unconnected with the directive by the president asking all appointees seeking elective positions to resign by March 31.

The directive, communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), requires ministers, advisers, and heads of agencies intending to contest in party primaries, scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026, to resign to ensure compliance with electoral laws and promote a level playing field.

The ICIR reported that following the directive, several top officials have exited their positions.

Among them was Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation, who is expected to contest the Gombe State governorship race, and Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who has stepped down to pursue the Bauchi State governorship.

Similarly, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has resigned and is reportedly preparing to contest a senatorial seat in Kebbi State.

Other appointees who have stepped down include Nasiru Gawuna of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Abdulrazak Namdas of the Niger Delta Development Commission board, and presidential aide Nasir Ja’oji, all of whom are said to be seeking elective positions.

Onyejeocha was also a former lawmaker, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2023.

If it were possible, I’d have broken my TV screen to shoot Seun Okinbaloye — Wike

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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If it were possible, I’d have broken my TV screen to shoot Seun Okinbaloye — Wike

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stirred another controversy by saying he would have “shot” a journalist with Channels TV, Seun Okinbaloye.

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Presidency defends Tinubu’s Jos airport visit as Obi, Atiku fault action

Esther Tomo
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Presidency defends Tinubu’s Jos airport visit as Obi, Atiku fault action

THE NIGERIAN presidency has defended Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision to meet victims of recent violence in Plateau State at an airport facility rather than visiting affected communities, citing logistical and security constraints.

In a statement issued on  Friday, April 3, by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the government said the President’s schedule had to be altered due to overlapping high-level engagements and operational limitations.

According to the presidency, Tinubu’s day initially included receiving Mahamat Idriss Déby in Abuja before travelling onward. However, after being briefed on the killings in Plateau by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the President adjusted his plans to include a visit to Jos.

The statement explained that the delays during the diplomatic engagement disrupted the revised travel timeline. The presidency added that aviation limitations at the Jos airport, particularly the lack of equipment for night operations, meant the President could not safely travel into the city and return before nightfall.

“As a result, representatives of the affected communities were brought to a venue near the airport to enable the President to meet them promptly,” the statement said.

The government maintained that the visit was substantive rather than symbolic, noting that Tinubu met victims, listened to community leaders and security officials, and proposed measures including the deployment of surveillance technology to improve security. It also highlighted that top defence and police officials had already visited the worst-hit areas, including Rukuba, before the President’s arrival.

Despite the explanation, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, described the airport meeting as a sign of detachment from the suffering of affected communities. Through his aide, he argued that the President’s visit fell short of an “on-the-spot assessment,” saying it did not extend beyond the airport or directly reach grieving families.

Similarly, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, faulted the approach, calling it “irresponsible” and lacking empathy. He drew comparisons with a previous presidential visit to Benue State, where Tinubu also did not visit attack sites.

Obi said, “What happened in Plateau highlights a complete absence of leadership. True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies.”

He warned that such actions risk deepening public frustration and a sense of abandonment among communities repeatedly affected by violence, urging the federal government to take more decisive and visible steps to address insecurity.

The presidency, however, insisted that the objectives of the visit were achieved, stressing that sustainable peace requires engagement with stakeholders and coordinated security responses rather than optics.

The exchange underscores growing political tension over how best to respond to persistent insecurity, particularly in regions like Plateau State, where recurring attacks have continued to claim lives and displace communities.

Tension rose across parts of Jos North Local Government Area after the state government relaxed the curfew.

Residents told THE ICIR that fresh clashes broke out among communities in the area on Wednesday morning.

The unrest followed earlier attacks in Angwan Rukuba, where violence had forced authorities to impose movement restrictions.

Although the curfew was partly lifted to allow people to carry out essential activities, the move appeared to lead to renewed violence.

THE ICIR also reviewed videos showing chaotic scenes, with groups confronting one another in the streets and, in some cases, clashing with security forces.

Reports indicated that the violence took on a religious angle, with Christian and Muslim youths allegedly attacking each other in parts of the area.

Ghana announces visa-free entry for Africans

Esther Tomo
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Ghana announces visa-free entry for Africans

GHANA has announced plans to introduce a visa-free policy for all African travellers, in a move aimed at deepening unity and improving movement across the continent.

John Dramani Mahama, president of Ghana, made the announcement, stating that the policy will take effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with the celebration of Africa Day.

“I am also pleased to announce that effective 25th May, 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans travelling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge,” the president said.

While countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, already enjoy visa-free travel under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, Ghana’s new policy extends similar access to all Africans beyond the sub-region.

The announcement came after a bilateral meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region.

President Mahama noted that Ghana already shares a visa-free arrangement with Zimbabwe, highlighting the ease of travel between the two countries.

“But between Ghana and Zimbabwe are In-laws, have a visa-free environment already. We can travel to each other’s countries without needing a visa. You  hop onto the plane and arrive in each other’s country.”

He explained that the new policy reflects Ghana’s long-standing commitment to Pan-African ideals.

According to him, the country sees itself as responsible for remaining open to Africans across the continent.

Mahama also linked the decision to Kwame Nkrumah’s vision, stressing that African countries must move faster toward deeper integration.

The visa-free entry will work as part of a broader e-visa reform programme expected to launch the same month. Government officials say both initiatives are designed to simplify travel, encourage tourism, and make Ghana more attractive to investors.

The president assured that necessary measures have been put in place to manage the system effectively and maintain national security.

“Let me assure the public that adequate systems have been put in place to protect prospective visitors and to ensure that the security of our nation is not compromised,” he stated.

Mahama added that efforts are ongoing to secure more visa waiver agreements for Ghanaian citizens travelling abroad. Since taking office in 2025, his administration has reportedly signed over 20 such agreements to strengthen the value of the Ghanaian passport.

Beyond travel, both Ghana and Zimbabwe reaffirmed their commitment to stronger cooperation on regional and global issues. The leaders emphasised the importance of unity, dialogue, and respect for international law in addressing global challenges, including conflicts and economic instability.

President Mnangagwa described the visit as productive and forward-looking, noting that both countries share common goals around African development and cooperation.

“We remain rooted in the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation, and a shared aspiration for African prosperity,” he said.

 

Whistleblower to be re-arraigned over firearms charge after exposing police payroll scam

Mustapha USMAN
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Whistleblower to be re-arraigned over firearms charge after exposing police payroll scam

THE Nigeria Police Force has re-arraigned Mubarak Bello, the whistleblower who exposed a payroll racket at Katsina command, before the Federal High Court in Katsina for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Bello, a resident of Katsina, was charged by the office of the Inspector-General of Police on March 23, 2026, for allegedly possessing a locally made gun, four rounds of live ammunition, and two expended cartridges without a valid licence.

The ICIR reports that Bello was originally charged in a Katsina magistrate court in October 2025 with possession of a forged police ID, impersonation, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and dealing in ATM cards — charges the accused calls “trumped up”.

On March 3, 2026, the Katsina magistrate court discharged Bello, prompting police to file a fresh charge of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at the Federal High Court.

Allegations before the court

The new charge alleges that on September 13, 2025, around 3:00 a.m., Bello was intercepted in Kofar Durbi Quarters while driving a Toyota Corolla. Police stopped and searched him, recovering a firearm and ammunition. Bello allegedly failed to produce a lawful license, leading to his arrest and forensic examination of the items.

He was charged under Sections 3 and 8(1)(2) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The police plan to call three witnesses: the arresting officer, investigating officer, and a forensic expert to verify the weapon’s functionality.

Whistleblower background

Bello’s arraignment came amid longstanding harassment, threats to his life and prosecution for his role as a whistleblower in an alleged multi-million-naira payroll fraud at the Katsina State Police Command.

On September 14, The ICIR reported that the police had issued a statement over the arrest of 38-year-old Bello, accusing him of impersonation, possession of a fake police identity card, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Katsina State police command claimed Bello’s arrest on September 13, 2025, came after a routine night patrol team intercepted his Toyota Corolla. The state Police Public Relations Officer ( PRO), Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said officers recovered a locally made rifle, live cartridges and a ‘fake’ police ID card.

However, Bello and sources familiar with the case alleged that his arrest was aimed at silencing him over his whistleblowing activities.

The ICIR gathered that Bello was first given a contract as a typist in 2009 to assist the finance department (formerly Mechanised Salary Section, MSS). Before then, he ran a shop at Kofar Turpi, doing typing jobs for police.

As a contract worker in the finance department, Bello became well acquainted with the processes through which officers’ salaries were administered across the state.

He alleged that fictitious police officers’ names were added to the salary system, diverting millions of naira monthly to accounts linked to Katsina Command finance officers, including the Finance Officer and an Assistant Finance Officer.

In 2019, Bello petitioned multiple anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over the alleged “ghost workers” scheme within the command.

Documents reviewed by The ICIR showed that Bello also wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Police Service Commission in 2020 after his earlier complaints failed to yield action.

In a 2020 petition to the Attorney General, Bello said he was initially instructed to process what he believed were legitimate recruitment documents. He noted that he did not suspect any wrongdoing at first, and when he sought clarification, the officers told him it was part of a “new recruitment process.”

He claimed that he was misled by the officers to forge certificates, open bogus accounts, create appointments and confirmation documents, generate fake promotion and transfer letters.

Bello said when the officers returned for a second phase of the exercise, they asked if he had more names to add to the list, but he refused. According to him, they persisted and eventually pressured him to submit his own name and that of an associate, Muhammad Hussaini, even producing police identity cards for both of them.

During the first and second processes, he listed more than a dozen officers for some of the policemen in the finance unit of the Katsina police command.

Retaliation and arrest

Following his allegations, Bello claimed he became a target of intimidation and repeated attacks. He said threats intensified after he insisted on reporting the incident since December 2019.

In 2020, Bello told investigators from ICPC that police officers raided his home in Sabon Unguwa, Katsina, and his office at the command headquarters, seizing documents and equipment.

He was consequently arrested and detained over impersonating a police officer, claims he maintains were false.

A source at the ICPC source had told The ICIR that some of the claims in Bello’s petition had merit, noting that certain payroll entries he flagged corresponded with suspicious records already unearthed by the agency’s investigation.

Attempts by the ICPC to question officers named in Bello’s petition reportedly stalled after the police authorities failed to grant approval for their appearance. It was reliably gathered that the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), wrote to the Inspector General of Police at the time to release the affected police officers under investigation for questioning but this was never done.

‘I was threatened, attacked’

Speaking with The ICIR, Bello alleged that he had faced multiple threats and physical attacks after exposing the alleged fraud. In earlier accounts, he said police officers raided his home and office, confiscating documents and equipment linked to his claims.

He also recounted being beaten by officers at the Katsina Divisional Crime Officer’s office in 2020.

Independent findings by The ICIR show how thugs attacked him with machetes, leaving deep cuts in October 2024. His head was macheted and his hand suffered deep cuts.

In a voice note obtained and reported by The ICIR, he appealed to acquaintances for help, saying he had been ambushed and was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Katsina.

Sources within the ICPC confirmed that Bello had reported several threats to his life before and after submitting his petition. These circumstances, according to some sources, may lend credence to his claim that he carried a locally made firearm for self-defence.

Bello disputes firearms allegations

Bello rejected the police claims against him, insisting the charges are a deliberate attempt to intimidate, victimise and silence him. He maintained that the firearm found in his possession was for self-defence following repeated attacks on his life after he reported the alleged fraud.

“I had no option than to protect myself after the several attacks,” he said, adding that he had applied for a licence to carry a locally made gun and formally notified police authorities, but received no response.

“I wrote to the Katsina Police command to apply for a gun… I followed the process, but they didn’t issue it to me,” he said. “Even after I got the gun, I informed the DC CID and asked for a licence, but they ignored it.”

Bello also disputed claims that a police identity card found in his possession was fake, stating that he had been issued identification documents during his time working with the police.

Appeal Court upholds ruling against NBC’s power to fine broadcasters

Esther Tomo
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Appeal Court upholds ruling against NBC’s power to fine broadcasters

THE Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), affirming an earlier ruling that stopped the commission from fining broadcast stations.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, April 2, the three-member panel ruled in favour of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), which had challenged the NBC’s powers in court..

The court upheld the May 2023 ruling of the Federal High Court, where one of its judges, James Omotosho, held that only courts, not regulatory agencies, had the power to impose fines for offences.

Omotosho had ruled that fines were sanctions imposed on individuals or organisations found guilty of criminal offences, and that only courts of law in Nigeria had the authority to impose such penalties.

He consequently set aside the fines imposed by the NBC on 45 broadcast stations.

The ICIR reports that the fines, amounting to ₦500,000 each, were announced by the commission on March 1, 2019, for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Omotosho further ruled that the NBC “is neither a court nor a judicial tribunal to make pronouncements on the guilt of broadcast stations,” adding that the commission’s actions violated the Nigerian Constitution.

The judgment was entered after the NBC failed to appear in court to defend the suit, despite evidence showing it had been duly served with court processes.

In July 2023, the NBC filed a motion asking the same court to set aside the judgment, arguing that the judge lacked jurisdiction and had made his decision without considering relevant facts.

However, on November 23, 2023, Omotosho dismissed the application, describing it as ‘futile’ and “an afterthought,” and noting that the commission had chosen not to defend the case when it had the opportunity.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, the NBC proceeded to the Court of Appeal.

At the hearing of the appeal on February 4, 2026, the NBC’s legal team, including Victor Ogude and Kehinde Wilkey, adopted their written arguments and made additional submissions.

Counsel to MRA, Ezenwa Anumnu, also adopted his brief and responded on behalf of the organisation.

Delivering the lead judgment, Oyejoju Oyewumi, a judge, upheld MRA’s arguments, ruling that the NBC’s appeal lacked merit.

She held that having failed to challenge the case at the Federal High Court, the commission could not raise issues at the appellate stage.

The two other justices on the panel, Abba Bello Mohammed and Donatus Uwaezuoke Okorowo, agreed with the lead judgment.

With this ruling, MRA has secured victory in the first of the two separate appeals involving the NBC over similar judgments of the Federal High Court restraining the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations.

The second appeal, still pending before the Court of Appeal, stemmed from another Federal High Court judgment delivered on January 17, 2024, by Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.

In that case, the court also ruled against the NBC in a suit filed by MRA after the commission imposed fines of ₦5 million each on a television station and three pay-TV platforms in 2022.

The fines were issued over allegations that the stations undermined Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry.

The Court of Appeal heard arguments in the second appeal on March 25, 2026, and has reserved judgment, which is expected to be delivered at a later date.

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