The Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) has issued a strong warning over what it describes as a disturbing rise in attacks and interference against media practitioners nationwide, cautioning that the trend poses a grave danger to democracy and constitutional freedoms.
In a statement by its chairman, Ayo Makinde, the SNB said the wave of harassment reflects a deeper, systemic challenge to the role of broadcast media as guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution. He warned that the media’s duty to hold government accountable and ensure the free flow of information is under unprecedented threat.
According to Makinde, both direct government actions and the misuse of legal instruments have been weaponized to intimidate broadcasters. Laws such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, sections of the Cybercrimes Act, parts of the Terrorism Prevention Act, colonial-era criminal provisions on sedition and defamation, and even the Public Order Act, though not a media law have been applied in ways that suppress legitimate journalism and restrict coverage of public protests.
“These laws, while legitimate in intent, have been used to intimidate rather than protect,” Makinde said, adding that the result has been widespread self-censorship among media houses fearful of licence revocation or crippling fines. Smaller stations, especially in rural areas, he noted, are the most vulnerable, with weak oversight mechanisms making it difficult for advocacy groups to intervene before damage is done.
Makinde cited recent flashpoints, including the threat by Niger State Governor Umar Bago to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 and demolish its premises despite only the National Broadcasting Commission having the legal power to revoke licences. He also referenced the suspension of Legacy FM’s acting general manager in Ebonyi State after on-air criticism of the governor, and the intense scrutiny Channels Television faced in 2024 following an interview broadcast.
Recalling past incidents such as the demolition of RayPower FM and AIT masts in 2023, the NBC’s suspension of AIT and RayPower in 2019, and multimillion-naira fines against stations like Trust TV in 2022, Makinde stressed that the pattern is neither new nor isolated but is growing in frequency and boldness.
While acknowledging that journalists are not above accountability, he emphasised that professional bodies such as the SNB, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) already have mechanisms to address misconduct without undermining press freedom.
“The sustainable path for any government is good governance and genuine open communication, not silencing critical voices,” Makinde asserted.
