A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, allowing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to impose fines on broadcasters, are invalid.
The court stated that administrative bodies like the NBC cannot exercise judicial powers. The decision followed a suit by Media Rights Agenda against the NBC’s imposition of fines on a TV station and pay TV platforms in 2022 for allegedly undermining national security by broadcasting banditry documentaries.
In her judgment, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia commended MRA, issued a perpetual injunction against further fines, and set aside the imposed fines, deeming the NBC’s actions unjustifiable in a democratic society.
The court agreed with MRA’s arguments, but denied claims for incurred costs, general damages, and punitive damages.
