ABUJA — Human rights activist and lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has petitioned the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) demanding an outright ban or strict regulation of the Big Brother Naija reality show, citing alleged promotion of obscene and pornographic content.
In a strongly worded pre-action notice, Idam accused the popular reality TV show, hosted by MultiChoice Nigeria, of violating public decency and community standards within just two weeks of its latest season airing.
He urged the NCC to exercise its regulatory powers under the Nigerian Communications Commission Act of 1992 and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 to either halt the programme or impose stringent broadcast restrictions within 30 days.
According to Idam, the show’s explicit content is being aired not only on television but aggressively promoted across verified social media platforms in “utter disregard for societal norms.”
“It is public knowledge that the ongoing program has been characterized with the exhibition of real-time pornographic activities and obscene content,” the petition reads. “If not banned or strictly regulated, it poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s media and communication space.”
The activist further demanded that the NCC restrict public viewing of the programme in restaurants, gardens, salons, and other public spaces to protect underage children and safeguard the rights of “uninterested” citizens.
Idam insisted the show offers no educational, artistic, scientific, or literary value, serving only the economic interests of its organisers.
He warned that if the NCC fails to act within the 30-day window, he will take legal action “on behalf of aggrieved members of the public” to seek redress in court.
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