NBC: We Will Appeal Judgment Nullifying Our Powers To Impose Fines

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), says it will appeal a ruling by a Federal High Court, Abuja nullifying its powers to impose fines on erring broadcast stations.

Its reaction to the Wednesday ruling by Justice James Omotosho was contained in a statement signed by its Director General, Balarabe Shehu Illelah.

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Omotosho, while ruling on a suit filed by Incorporated Media Rights Agenda, declared that NBC was not a Court and had no power to impose fines as punishment on broadcast stations.

He held that the NBC code, which gives the commission the power to impose a sanction, was in conflict with section 6 of the constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.

He added that the NBC, not being Nigerian police, had no power to conduct a criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.

But the NBC, in the statement on Friday in Abuja, said that it had applied for a Certified Copy of the judgment.

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“The commission will appeal against the judgment when found to be in conflict with previous judgments which empowers NBC to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria,” the statement said.

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