The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning the song “Tell Your Papa” by Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem.
The lawsuit, filed on April 20, 2025, challenges the commission’s decision to stop the song from being played on radio and television. NBC claims the track violates parts of the broadcasting code, but critics argue the ban is politically motivated.
“Tell Your Papa” criticizes current economic hardships in Nigeria, touching on the removal of fuel subsidies and the struggles of everyday citizens. The song calls on political leaders to take responsibility for worsening living conditions and rising costs.
This is not the first time Eedris Abdulkareem’s music has faced censorship. In 2004, his popular song “Jaga Jaga,” which slammed government corruption and mismanagement, was banned from public airwaves. Despite the restrictions, the song became an anthem for youth protest and continues to be remembered today.
In the current case, SERAP argues that banning Abdulkareem’s song violates the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The organization is asking the court to declare the ban unlawful and prevent future censorship of artistic works that criticize the government.
The lawsuit has reignited national conversation about media freedom, political criticism, and the rights of artists. Many Nigerians, especially young people, have taken to social media to show support for Abdulkareem and call for greater tolerance of dissenting voices.
