Global human rights organization Amnesty International has strongly criticized Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s politically charged song “Tell Your Papa,” calling the censorship a blatant violation of freedom of expression. The banned track, which critiques government failures and social inequality, was recently blacklisted by NBC under its “Not To Be Broadcast” classification for its critical lyrics about Nigeria’s leadership.
In a scathing statement released Thursday, Amnesty International Nigeria demanded President Bola Tinubu immediately reverse the ban, arguing the action represents dangerous government overreach. “This arbitrary prohibition lacks legal justification and contradicts Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the organization stated. The rights group particularly condemned NBC’s reliance on what it called “deeply flawed” provisions of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code to suppress dissent.
The controversy follows similar pressure from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which issued a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities to lift the ban. Amnesty warned the censorship creates a chilling effect that could paralyze artistic expression and investigative journalism, noting recent patterns of regulatory intimidation against media outlets and creatives who critique government policies.
Abdulkareem, known for his activist music since the early 2000s, joins growing list of Nigerian artists like Falz and Seun Kuti whose politically-themed works have faced official pushback. The 45-year-old rapper’s banned song contains explicit criticisms of political elites while advocating for youth empowerment and social justice – themes that have resonated widely amid Nigeria’s economic hardships.
Culture analysts express concern that the ban signals escalating government intolerance ahead of the 2027 election cycle, with regulatory bodies increasingly weaponized against opposition voices. As debates rage about artistic freedom versus broadcast standards, civil society groups vow to challenge NBC’s decision through legal and advocacy channels.
