NBC Ban On Eedris Abdulkareem’s Protest Song Unconstitutional – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s decision to ban Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song, Tell Your Papa, calling it a “clear violation” of freedom of expression and access to information.

In a statement released on Thursday, the human rights organisation described the NBC’s action as “unlawful, arbitrary, and deeply worrying,” accusing the regulatory body of fostering a climate of censorship under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“The NBC’s blatant ban of Tell Your Papa is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information,” Amnesty stated.

The controversial song, which sharply criticizes the government and highlights worsening social and economic conditions, was classified as “Not To Be Broadcast” under the Nigerian Broadcasting Code — a move Amnesty insists lacks both legal and moral grounds.

“Categorizing the song as such for merely being critical of those in power is an unacceptable abuse of authority,” the group said, adding that it contradicts Nigeria’s obligations under international and regional human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Amnesty further urged President Tinubu to direct NBC to lift the ban, warning that the action threatens artistic freedom and press independence in Nigeria.

“This clampdown on artistic freedom is a grim reminder that artists in Nigeria face increasing risks of censorship and suppression. Nothing can justify suffocating creativity,” the statement read.

The organization also called for urgent reforms to NBC’s regulatory framework, describing it as a tool that has historically been used to “muzzle dissent and control the media.”

“The deeply flawed Nigerian Broadcasting Code must be reviewed and reformed to prevent further misuse,” it added.

Amnesty concluded by warning that failure to reverse the ban could set a dangerous precedent for broader repression of free speech in the country.

“It is not too late for the government to withdraw the ban. Upholding rights must take precedence over silencing critical voices.”

As of press time, the NBC had not responded to the statement, and President Tinubu had yet to make a public comment on the controversy.