In a groundbreaking development, a Federal High Court has delivered a seismic blow to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) by nullifying its power to impose penalties on media platforms. The court declared void the provisions in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code that granted NBC the authority to levy fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches. The ruling, delivered by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, underscored that the NBC had exceeded its powers by imposing fines, emphasizing that the Commission lacks the authority to adjudicate and penalize alleged offenses, given its non-judicial status.
This legal uproar stems from a lawsuit filed by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a human rights organization, against the NBC. The MRA took action after the Commission fined four media platforms a total of N20 million in August 2022 for airing documentaries on the security situation in Zamfara State. The court’s decision aligns with MRA’s arguments, asserting that NBC’s actions overstepped its jurisdiction and violated the right to free speech. The media platforms affected by the fines include Multichoice Nigeria Limited (DSTV), TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV), Trust-TV Network Limited, and NTA Startimes Limited.
Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia’s judgment on this matter has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, with broadcasters celebrating the nullification of NBC’s fines. The court’s ruling not only marks a significant victory for the media platforms involved but also prompts a reevaluation of NBC’s authority in penalizing broadcasters. As the legal dust settles, the decision underscores the importance of judicial scrutiny in safeguarding freedom of speech and defining the limits of regulatory bodies in the media industry.
