SERAP Warns Tinubu To Lift Ban On Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song Or Risk Legal Action

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Federal Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 48 hours to reverse the ban placed on Eedris Abdulkareem’s new protest song, Tell Your Papa, or face legal action.

SERAP, in a statement on Thursday via its X platform, described NBC’s action as a violation of freedom of expression, calling on President Bola Tinubu to direct the reversal without delay.

“The Tinubu administration must immediately reverse the unlawful ban by the National Broadcasting Commission stopping Nigerian radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new single,” the group stated.

“We’ll see in court if the ban is not reversed within 48 hours,” it added.

OSUN DEFENDER reported that the NBC had, in a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, classified the song as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB).

The commission said the track, which has been trending on social media, violated Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits offensive or indecent content.

“It is therefore classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The commission requests that your station refrains from airing this song to maintain responsible broadcasting standards,” the memo read.

Eedris Abdulkareem is known for his socially conscious music.

Tell Your Papa reportedly lashes out at the Tinubu administration over worsening economic conditions and alleged poor governance.

Critics have condemned NBC’s move as an attempt to silence dissent and suppress artistic freedom, a position echoed by SERAP in its warning to the government.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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