The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the controversial ban on Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem’s song, “Tell Your Papa.” The song, which allegedly critiques President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, was prohibited from airing on radio and television stations due to what the NBC called its “objectionable nature.” This move has sparked a larger conversation about freedom of expression, media freedom, and the right of Nigerians to access diverse viewpoints.
The ban, issued on April 9, 2025, by the NBC, specifically prohibits all broadcast stations from playing the song, which the Commission claims violates public decency standards. However, SERAP, a prominent Nigerian human rights organization, has argued that this decision infringes upon fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, as well as international human rights standards.
In the lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos under suit number FHC/L/CS/797/2025, SERAP is calling for an order to overturn the ban, describing it as arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional. The organization is also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the NBC or any other authority from restricting the song’s broadcast in the future.
According to SERAP, the ban not only violates the right to freedom of expression but also undermines media freedom and the public’s right to access information. The organization argues that the NBC’s action is an overreach that goes against international agreements Nigeria is bound by, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect freedom of expression.
“Tell Your Papa” was released by Eedris Abdulkareem, a well-known Nigerian musician and social activist. In the song, Abdulkareem allegedly voices strong criticism of President Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly their impact on the Nigerian people. Abdulkareem, who has a history of using music to address social and political issues, has often been at the forefront of using his platform to challenge government actions.
The NBC’s decision to ban the song stems from a claim that it is “objectionable” and violates the Broadcasting Code, which sets standards for public decency in broadcast media. However, the specific nature of the song’s content that led to its banning has not been clearly stated by the NBC, prompting concerns about the vagueness of the regulations that allow such actions.
In its suit, SERAP highlights that artistic expressions, including music, are protected under the right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The organization argues that the NBC’s use of “public decency” as a reason to block the song is a cover for censorship, undermining the ability of artists to comment on social and political issues.
“Freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and extends not only to information or ideas that are favourably received, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb in such domains as political discourse and commentary on public affairs,” the lawsuit reads.
SERAP further asserts that the NBC’s directive fails to meet the legal standards of necessity, legality, and proportionality. These standards are required under both Nigerian law and international human rights frameworks, which dictate that any restriction on free speech must be justifiable, narrow in scope, and not overly broad.
According to SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms. Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Ms. Valentina Adegoke, the NBC’s decision violates the rights of Nigerians to engage in creative expression and debate. They argue that by banning the song, the government is stifling social discourse and silencing critical voices, particularly in the realm of political commentary.
This lawsuit is part of a broader conversation about freedom of expression in Nigeria, a country that has faced criticism for its treatment of the media and artists. Over the years, there have been several high-profile cases where the Nigerian government has been accused of attempting to censor dissenting voices, particularly those in the arts and media sectors.
Many believe that the ban on Eedris’ song is a reflection of increasing efforts by the current administration to control public discourse. Critics argue that such moves limit the democratic space and prevent open discussions on national issues, particularly those involving government policies and actions. The arts, they argue, should be a space where social and political issues can be explored without fear of retribution.
In recent years, Nigerian artists have used their music, movies, and other forms of creative expression to challenge the status quo, often drawing attention to issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses. The banning of a song like “Tell Your Papa” highlights the precarious balance between artistic freedom and the desire of some government officials to maintain control over the narrative.
At this stage, no hearing date has been set for the lawsuit, but the case is expected to draw significant attention, not only from human rights organizations but also from the Nigerian public, who have increasingly voiced concerns about freedom of speech. SERAP’s legal action highlights the tension between artistic freedom and government efforts to regulate public discourse, a challenge that is likely to intensify as political pressures grow.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of media freedom in Nigeria, setting a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. If SERAP is successful in its legal challenge, it could pave the way for a broader protection of free speech, not only for artists but also for ordinary Nigerians who wish to express their views on public matters.
Since the ban was imposed, there has been considerable debate within Nigeria. Supporters of the government argue that the song crosses the line of decency and undermines national unity, while opponents see the ban as an attempt to suppress political dissent and silence critics. Many Nigerians view the case as part of a larger struggle over freedom of expression, particularly in the context of music and the arts.
Social media platforms have also been abuzz with discussions about the song, with some calling for the immediate reversal of the ban and others voicing their support for the government’s actions.
