The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its decision to ban the politically charged song “Tell Your Papa” by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem.
The NBC had on April 9, 2025, issued a directive prohibiting the broadcast of the song on radio and television, citing its “objectionable nature” and alleged violation of “public decency standards.” The song openly criticises the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a suit marked FHC/L/CS/797/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is challenging the legality of the ban, describing it as a violation of Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.
The group is seeking a court order reversing the ban and a perpetual injunction restraining the NBC and other authorities from censoring the song or similar expressions in the future.
According to SERAP, the NBC’s decision amounts to censorship of political expression disguised as the enforcement of public decency, a move the organisation says is incompatible with constitutional and international human rights standards.
“The ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song has a chilling effect on freedom of expression, media freedom, and access to information,” SERAP said in a statement. “The NBC has failed to show how the song poses any concrete risk to national interest that could justify suppressing political commentary.”
SERAP further argued that artistic and musical expressions are vital components of democratic discourse and must be protected, even when they offend or challenge those in power.
“The song is a form of artistic and political expression that contributes to public debate. Banning such content undermines democracy,” the organisation added.
The group also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which protect freedom of expression and artistic creativity.
As of the time of this report, the court has not fixed a date for the hearing of the case.
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