Media Owners vs Arewa24 Appeal Hearing For Sept. 28

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned hearing in the appeal filed by the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) against Arewa 24 Ltd and six other respondents to September 28, 2027.

The case which came up on Thursday for the hearing of the appeal and a motion was adjourned after six of the seven respondents were absent from court. Only Arewa 24 Ltd was represented.

Counsel to NBMOA, Joy Bob, said the other respondents’ requests for an extension were received on the day of the hearing, leading to the adjournment.

The appeal challenges a July 2, 2025 judgment by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which dismissed NBMOA’s suit against Arewa 24 for lack of merit.

NBMOA had accused the television station of monopolistic practices and trademark infringement. However, the lower court held that Arewa 24 was operating legally and was not required to obtain an additional National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) licence for its operations.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, NBMOA filed an appeal at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, registered as Appeal No. CA/AB/CV/1687/2025.

The respondents in the appeal include Arewa 24 Ltd, the NBC, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria (DStv/GOtv) and StarTimes Nigeria.