Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court Abuja has invalidated the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) authority to levy fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The ruling followed a suit by the Media Rights Agenda against the NBC for imposing fines on a TV station and three pay TV platforms in 2022. The judge declared the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, enabling the NBC to impose fines, null and void, stating that regulatory bodies cannot exercise judicial powers.
The court commended MRA and issued a perpetual injunction against further fines. An Abuja-based lawyer, Uche Amulu, filed the suit on behalf of MRA, arguing that the NBC’s fines for broadcasting a documentary on banditry were unlawful and unconstitutional, infringing on the freedom of media to impart information.
MRA contended that such fines would deter reporting on the security situation, violating the rights to freedom of expression. The organization also sought a declaration that the NBC’s procedure in imposing fines violated natural justice and the right to fair hearing.
