SERAP threatens to sue NBC for imposing "illegal fines of N9m" on Channels TV, AIT, and Arise TV over coverage of #EndSARS protests.

 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue the National Broadcasting Station (NBC) in the next 48 hours if the N9m fines imposed on Africa Independent Television (AIT), Arise Television, and Channels Television are not rescinded. 

 

This comes after Armstrong Idachaba, the acting Director-General of the Commission sanctioned Africa Independent Television (AIT), Arise Television, and Channels Television for violating the broadcast code over the use of unverifiable online video footages on social media.

 

The television stations were reportedly accused of airing unverified images of the alleged shooting on peaceful #EndSARS protesters which took place at Lekki toll gate. The NBC also fined Channels Television, AIT, and Arise TV N3m each over the coverage.

 

Reacting to the report on Twitter, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), condemned the sanctions and threatened to sue NBC if the fines, which they described as "illegal" are not rescinded within 48 hours.

 

The rights group also said the action taken by the NBC "is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices"

 

Read the full statement below.

 

 

 

Three major television stations have been sanctioned by the National Broadcasting Station (NBC). 

 

Acting Director-General of the Commission, Armstrong Idachaba who made the announcement on Monday October 26 alleged that the Africa Independent Television (AIT),  Arise Television and Channels Television violated the broadcast code, top of which is the use of unverifiable online video footages on social media.

 

The Nation reported that the television stations were accused of airing unverified images of the alleged shooting which took place at Lekki toll gate. 

 

Daily Trust on the other hand reported that the NBC fined Channels Television, AIT and Arise TV N3m each over the coverage. 

 

Idachaba who added that DAAR Communications will be fined separately for using an unverifiable news item on the fire incident at the National Christian Centre, warned that this will be the last warning before a heavier sanction will be introduced.