Amnesty hails court order stopping NBC sanctions

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Amnesty International Nigeria has hailed the Federal High Court ruling restraining the National Broadcasting Commission from enforcing its controversial sanctions on broadcasters, describing the decision as a boost for free expression and media independence.

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The group, in a statement published on its X handle @AmnestyNigeria on Wednesday, said the interim injunction granted in Lagos marked “an important step” toward protecting journalists and media organisations from what it called regulatory overreach.

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Justice Daniel Osiagor had on Monday, May 5, 2026, ordered the NBC to suspend the implementation of its “Formal Notice” issued on May 2, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

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The NBC directive had proposed sanctions against broadcasters accused of presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality in their programmes.

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Amnesty criticised the notice as vague and open to abuse, warning that its enforcement could create a chilling effect across Nigeria’s media landscape.

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According to the organisation, such regulatory measures risk silencing critical voices and undermining both constitutional guarantees and international standards on freedom of expression.

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“The ruling by Justice Daniel Osiagor marks an important step toward protecting freedom of expression and media independence in Nigeria.

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“The NBC directive, seeking to sanction broadcasters for expressing opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality, is vague, open to abuse, and risks silencing critical voices,” NGO said.

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While welcoming the court’s intervention, Amnesty cautioned that the order remains interim and does not finally resolve the dispute over the legality of the NBC’s action.

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It therefore called on the NBC to withdraw the directive entirely and desist from adopting similar measures that could restrict press freedom.

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The organisation further urged authorities to ensure that journalists and broadcasters are able to carry out their duties without intimidation or undue interference.

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“While the ruling provides immediate relief, it is not a final judgment, and the threat posed by the notice remains.

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“Amnesty International Nigeria calls on the NBC @nbcgovng to withdraw the ‘Formal Notice’ in full and refrain from enforcing similar measures that undermine constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression.

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“Authorities must ensure that journalists and broadcasters can carry out their work without intimidation or undue interference,” they added.

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The matter was adjourned until June 1, 2026 for hearing of the motion on notice.

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