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NBC, Daar Communication ‘Resolve Dispute’
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The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Daar Communications have resolved their weeks-long confrontation, days after Daar’s broadcast stations were shut down by the regulator.
A statement by the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) said the truce was secured on Sunday night by a committee that was set up to look into the face-off between NBC and Daar Communications’ AIT and Ray Power FM.
The NBC will lift its ban on the stations, while Daar will withdraw its lawsuit, both sides agreed.
The television and radio stations were forced off air on June 6 by the NBC, a government body that regulates broadcast media across the country. The agency accused AIT and Ray Power of breaching its controversial broadcasting code by airing “unprofessional” contents to foment national division and incite the public.
Daar Communications accused NBC of “witch-hunt” because of its perceived tilt towards the opposition.
Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of Daar Communications, has been a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for several years; while Modibbo Kawu, the director-general of NBC, has been a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and has continued to play partisan politics since he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016.
Following a lawsuit by Daar Communications, a federal court in Abuja invalidated the suspension of AIT’s licence, saying it was premature because of an ongoing litigation between the parties.
A nationwide outrage greeted the government’s action, with many civic groups condemning it as repressive and anti-democratic.
Following a series of talks between the parties over the weekend, an agreement was reached that participants said would engender a cordial relationship between the NBC and Daar Communications’ media outlets, of which AIT and Ray Power FM are the most prominent.
The talks were convened by the Nigerian Press Organisation, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria and NPAN.
Amongst those in attendance were Mr Kawu, Mr Dokpesi, Raymond Dokpesi, Tony Akiotu, Donatus Anopuo, Sam Amuka, Ismaila Isa and Nduka Obaigbena.
A statement on the meeting said although Mr Kawu acknowledged that the Nigerian Constitution enumerated the role of the media as the institution responsible for holding power to account, the NBC chief lampooned the AIT for failing to adhere to its broadcasting code despite repeated cautions, the NPAN statement said.
The NBC also accused AIT of failing to pay its national network license dues.
Daar Communications defended its position saying it gives its team freedom to make editorial commentary on issues of the day relying on Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference, NPAN said.
The broadcaster, however, admitted it was behind on some fees, but blamed it on an agreement uniformly reached by BON-member stations.
Mr Kawu insisted that the dues were non-negotiable because they were statutory for all stations, and a plan for payment was worked out.
Following the dialogue dialogue, all parties resolved as follows:
1. DAAR Communications Plc. will work out a new realistic payment plan with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and ensure prompt payments in accordance with the new plan;
2. DAAR Communications Plc. will appoint an Ombudsman to ensure balance in its news coverage especially political commentary; it will also take full editorial responsibility for the use of content sourced from social media outlets;
3. Following this NPO statement, The NBC will immediately lift the suspension of the broadcast license of DAAR Communications Plc;
4. DAAR Communications Plc. will withdraw its case in court, against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and;
5. All parties will take necessary steps to work together to build confidence in the public interest.
Premium Times
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
