In a significant victory for media independence, the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from punishing or threatening broadcast stations and presenters.
Hon. Justice Daniel Osiagor issued the order on Monday following an ex parte motion filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The ruling effectively halts the NBC’s ability to sanction media houses for allegedly expressing personal opinions as facts, bullying guests, or failing to maintain neutrality.
The legal challenge, led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, argues that the NBC’s recent regulatory crackdowns are “arbitrary and unlawful.”
SERAP and the NGE contend that the provisions within the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code are inconsistent with Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression.
The organizations emphasized that journalism naturally encompasses commentary and analysis, asserting that “journalism without opinion is neither practical nor democratic.”
In a joint statement following the ruling, the NGE and SERAP hailed the decision as a landmark win for the rule of law. They argued that the NBC’s broad and vague regulatory powers had been “weaponized” to suppress dissent and intimidate the press.
By restraining the commission from enforcing these contested provisions, the court has affirmed that regulatory bodies must operate within constitutional limits, especially as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
Justice Osiagor’s order remains in effect pending the hearing of the motion on notice, with the case officially adjourned to June 1, 2026.
The plaintiffs have called on the NBC to immediately comply with the court’s directive and urged a total review of the regulatory framework to align with international human rights standards.
They vowed to pursue the substantive suit to its logical conclusion to ensure that freedom of expression remains a protected right rather than a privilege granted by the state.
