Entertainment
Amnesty kick against NBC ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song
*Says, it’s unconstitutional
By Francesca Hangeior
Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has condemned the recent decision by the National Broadcasting Commission to ban Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song, Tell Your Papa, labelling the move a “clear violation” of the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
Amnesty International in a statement described the ban as “unlawful, arbitrary, and deeply worrying,” asserting that it reflected a dangerous trend of censorship and intolerance by the authorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The National Broadcasting Commission’s blatant ban of broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information,” the organisation said.
NBC had classified the politically charged song, which criticises the government and highlights social and economic hardship, as “Not To Be Broadcast,” citing provisions in the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
However, Amnesty International said the move lacked any legal or moral justification.
“Categorizing the song as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ for solely being critical of the government and people in power is an abuse of power and is unacceptable,” Amnesty said, noting that the action was “entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the right to access information and media freedom in Nigeria.”
The group further called on President Tinubu to “immediately direct the NBC to withdraw the bizarre ban which violates a range of human rights.”
Amnesty also warned that the clampdown could have far-reaching consequences for artists, media houses, and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
“The arbitrary and unlawful ban by the NBC would have a disproportionate and chilling effect on the work of radio and television stations in Nigeria.
“This clampdown on artistic freedom is an appalling reminder that artists are at the risk of being silenced. Nothing can justify suffocating creativity,” the statement read.
AI argued that the move by NBC also puts Nigeria in violation of its international and regional obligations, particularly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights—both of which guarantee the right to free expression and artistic freedom.
“Citing the deeply flawed and problematic Nigerian Broadcasting Code to justify the ban shows a new level of intolerance of dissenting voices,” the group stated.
The organisation reiterated its call for urgent reforms to NBC’s regulatory framework, which it says has long been used to “curb dissent and muzzle the press.”
“The ban highlighted the need to urgently repeal heavy censorship regulations of NBC that have been used to curb freedom of expression in the country,” the group said.
Amnesty concluded by warning that if the ban is not reversed, it could set a dangerous precedent for broader government censorship.
“It is not too late for President Bola Tinubu’s government to withdraw the ban which will have the sad repercussion of promoting censorship and generating a new wave of fear of repression,” the statement concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, NBC has not responded to Amnesty International’s statement, and President Tinubu has yet to make any public comment on the matter.
Popular social activist Martins Vincent Otse widely known as Verydarkman has reacted to allegations of financial malfeasance which led to his arrest by the EFCC.
In a viral video recorded by his lawyer after his release this evening, VDM expressed disbelief over the charges of money laundering brought against him, questioning why such accusations would be directed at someone who is not wealthy.
“How would they level allegations of money laundering on someone who doesn’t have money? I have done so many charity, they wonder how, they don’t know I use debt for charity. Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer of course.” he said.
By Francesca Hangeior
Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has shared his harrowing experience in the United States when a stray bullet pierced through the window of his hotel room.
He shared the terrifying encounter on his Instagram page, posting a video of the damaged window and bullet hole.
Seun, who expressed shock, questioned the perception of safety in America.
In the video, Seun Kuti said that he was in his hotel room, relaxing, when the bullet suddenly came through the window.
“I read somewhere that these are the civilised people. Tell me you are in America without telling me you are in America. I am in my hotel room just chilling and boom this happened”, he said.
By Francesca Hangeior
Actor and skit maker Kamo State has penned a heartfelt note to his senior colleague and godmother, Funke Akindele, expressing deepest gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his wife’s pregnancy and childbirth.
He described her as “an angel in human form” and highlighted her selfless acts, including securing one of Lagos’s best doctors for his wife’s care and covering all medical expenses.
According to Kamo, she also offered to fly Kamo State’s wife to the US for the baby’s birth when she found out about the pregnancy late.
He wrote: “AN ANGEL IN HUMAN FORM (Iyami Olufunke Mi Owon). To the woman who embodies love, strength, and unwavering support, my dearest godmother, Lafunky Omo Akindele. Where do I even begin to express the depth of my gratitude for all you do? You’ve always stood by me, a beacon of light in every storm, and a source of endless encouragement.
“I’ll never forget the nights you spent by my side at the hospital, your presence, a soothing balm, your vigilance, a testament to your love. Even when I told you about the pregnancy late, you were ready to fly my wife to the US for the baby’s birth, showing the lengths you’d go to for us. We were supposed to go to Dubai together when I told you my wife’s expected delivery date is close,you insisted I stay with her while you’re in Dubai with your kids, and you called my wife every single day, just to check up on her and make sure she was doing well any day I didn’t pick call like this you’ll fight me ni ooo that you must talk to ESTHER to check her, you told your driver and security details to follow us to the hospital even if we call them in the midnight, ensuring we were safe and sound. You secured one of the best doctors in Lagos for my wife and took care of every single bill, showing your selfless generosity. You prayed for my wife in our prayer group every single time, and you forced me to pray countless times, always reminding me of the power of faith. And now, as we shall be christening our baby this Tuesday, you’ve once again stepped forward, sponsoring the naming from the food to the beautiful outfits for my wife and me, you’re taking care of everything, ensuring that this celebration is as special as possible.
“IYAMI IYAMI, your generosity knows no bounds, and your love is a gift I cherish every single day. I wanted to write more, but I’m honestly short of words to express how much you mean to me. I pray that God blesses you abundantly, showering you with health, happiness, and all the good things life offers. Thank you for being the amazing woman you are, and for showing me the true meaning of family. I owe you so much, and I’ll spend a lifetime trying to repay the kindness you’ve shown me. I love you dearly!”.
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