Federal High Court Orders NBC To Reopen AIT/Ray Power

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to reopen African Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power Radio owned by Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

The broadcasters, owned by Daar Communications Plc, were on Thursday suspended indefinitely by the National Broadcasting Commission.

READ ALSO:  A COINCIDENCE? EFCC Withdraws From Goje’s Trial A Day After He Withdraws From Senate Presidency Race – WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE NIGERIA?

The regulator accused the outlets of violating the national broadcasting code. Amongst other allegations, the NBC accused both channels of broadcasting “inciting” messages, especially from social media.

The suspension has been met with condemnations, with activists accusing the NBC of attempting to clamp down on the free press.

In a ruling on Friday, the judge, Inyang Ekwo, said both parties should maintain status quo as of May 30 when the case by Daar Communication was filed.

“I have noted the eight grounds upon which the exparte application was hinged upon, application of this nature must be considered judicially and judiciously. That, I have done,” Mrs Ekwo said.

READ ALSO:   Saraki’s Tenure Becomes History As Senate President With This Historic Valedictory Speech – FULL STATEMENT FOR THE RECORDS

“I hereby order that parties shall maintain status quo ante bellum as at May 30, 2019 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this case.”

Daar Communication, represented by its founder, Raymond Dokpesi, had in a exparte motion prayed the court to order the maintenance of status quo ante bellum as at May 30.

The firm also prayed the court to “restrain the defendants from blocking and/or interfering with the airwaves of Daar Communication Plc in any way and manner howsoever, in its broadcast and airing of news, views, documentaries, or any other legitimate broadcast material that is usually associated with television, radio or social media broadcast pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed along with the exparte application.”

READ ALSO:   Senate President Bukola Saraki Reveals His Saddest Day In The Senate

They also prayed the court to restrain the defendants from invading or closing down the premises of Daar Communication, its operations or broadcast services, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed along with this application.

Defendants in the case are the Federal Ministry of Information and the Attorney General of the Federation.