Commission, Arewa24TV Sued Over Alleged Code Breach

A non-governmental organization (the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Abuja), has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano against Arewa24 Television and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over alleged violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code by Arewa24 TV, following complaints of indecent and culturally-offensive content aired on some of its programmes.

In a letter, dated October 30, 2025, and addressed to the NBC Zonal Director in Kano, the association, the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, Abuja, through its solicitors, A. A. Hikima & Co., acting on behalf of its client, invoked the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (2011) to request details of regulatory actions taken by the Commission against the broadcaster.

The petition drew attention to two of Arewa24’s programmes: “Mata A Yau” and “H-Hip Hop”, which were alleged to contain “indecent, suggestive and culturally offensive” segments said to contravene the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition).

According to the letter, signed by A. A. Hikima, Esq., the programmes have attracted “widespread condemnations from respected community leaders and clerics” over what they described as the “offensive and potentially inciting nature” of some of the discussions.

The petition further alleged that panellists on ‘Mata A Yau’ had, on several occasions, been heard urging women “to take the laws into their hands against their husbands”, a development it said was inconsistent with cultural and religious values in the region.

Despite repeated public petitions and outcries, the petitioners expressed concern that the NBC had “failed to take visible or effective regulatory action” as required under the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Consequently, the association requested the NBC to, within seven days, make available the following information and records: Details of any complaints or reports received concerning ‘Mata A Yau’, ‘H-Hip Hop’, or any other programme of Arewa24; Records of investigations, findings, or regulatory actions taken; Copies of sanctions, warnings, or compliance directives issued to the station; and the current certification or review status of the affected programmes.

The petition warned that failure, refusal, or neglect to provide the requested information within the statutory period would amount to a breach of the Freedom of Information Act ,and could form the basis for a legal action to compel compliance.