SERAP and NGE sue NBC over alleged unconstitutional threats to broadcasters
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors NGE have filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission NBC, challenging its alleged “arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unlawful” threats to sanction broadcast stations and presenters. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 24, 2026, contests the NBC’s directive warning broadcasters against “expressing personal opinions as facts,” “bullying or intimidating guests,” and failing to maintain neutrality. SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Onuoha Ukeh, jointly signed a statement announcing the legal action. The groups argue that the provisions of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which the NBC relies upon, are “vague and overly broad” and infringe upon freedom of expression and media freedom guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. They contend that journalistic work inherently includes opinion, commentary, and analysis, which are central to professional standards and democratic discourse. The plaintiffs assert that the Nigerian Constitution is the supreme law, and any inconsistent subsidiary legislation, like the Broadcasting Code, is null and void. They warn that the NBC’s approach could stifle media freedom, lead to self-censorship, and undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights to diverse information, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. SERAP and NGE are seeking a d
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The Nigerian Army has reported the destruction of 10 illegal refining sites and the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. During operations conducted from April 1 to April 26, 2026, the Army confiscated 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil AGO, with an estimated value of N250 million. Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, stated that these achievements were made in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states. Operations in Rivers State included the interception of a truck with 45,000 litres of stolen products, the discovery of a reservoir with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and another with 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops also confiscated 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products in Ebocha, Omoku, and discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks with over 3,000 litres of crude oil in Abessa Forest. In Delta State, a tapping point with a dugout storage pit containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products was uncovered. In Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags containing a 1,350-litre stockpile of illegally refined AGO were found. Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops and urged them to maintain their efforts against economic saboteurs.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, launched a dedicated digital platform for the pro-Tinubu civic organization in Abuja. The platform, which includes the official website www.rhambassadors.org and integrated social media channels, aims to serve as a verified information hub. It will deepen public understanding of the administration’s reform programs, consolidate policy explainers, and provide updates on government information. Uzodimma stated that the website features an updateable dashboard for real-time access to economic metrics and performance indicators, allowing Nigerians to track the administration's progress. He also highlighted an off-site, AI-powered Data Communication Centre designed for intelligence gathering, sentiment tracking, and countering misinformation. The platform is intended to foster engagement and provide a direct interface between the government and citizens for feedback and participation. The launch was attended by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and various RHA directors and coordinators. The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, established in late 2025, serves as a civic engagement arm to mobilize grassroots communication of government policy and address false information. President Bola Tinubu appointed Uzodimma as "Renewed Hope Ambassador" in November 2025, with responsibilities including party outreach, engagement, and mobilization. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was n
Must ReadKenya's Sabastian Sawe won the London Marathon, breaking the two-hour mark for the first time in history with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, and Uganda's Jacob Kiplomo was third in 2:00:28. All three runners finished under the previous men's world record of 2:00:35. In the women's race, Tigst Assefa smashed her own women’s-only world record, winning in 2:15:41, nine seconds faster than her previous best. Kenya's Hellen Obiri placed second with a personal best of 2:15:53, followed by Joyciline Jepkosgei. The 46th London Marathon saw over 59,000 participants and raised a record £87.3 million for charity.
Kogi State is advancing its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone SAPZ program through a strategic cooperation agreement with Hezheng Holdings Group and Hezheng Digital Technology Hezheng Innovation Valley Co., Ltd. The SAPZ initiative aims to boost food production, enhance processing capacity, create employment, attract private investment, and establish Kogi State as a leading agricultural and industrial hub in Nigeria. A central component of this collaboration is the development of a modern agricultural science and technology industrial park in Kogi State, which will drive agro-processing, facilitate agricultural technology transfer, support equipment deployment, promote enterprise incubation, strengthen logistics and cold chain systems, enhance export infrastructure, and provide sustainable power solutions. The Kogi SAPZ structure includes the Ajaokuta Agro-Industrial Hub, Agricultural Transformation Centres in Anyigba, Alape, and Osara, and the Zariagi Agro-Air Hub. The program integrates existing farmer clusters with an additional 150,000 hectares of farmland per zone, focusing on value chains such as rice, maize, cassava, livestock and poultry, sesame, cashew, oil palm, and greenhouse farming. The agreement signifies a move from planning to implementation, attracting technical partners, industrial park operators, investors, and global business platforms into the SAPZ ecosystem. A Kogi State delegation, led by Alhaji Yakubu Okala, Auditor-General of Kogi State and Proj