An Islamic organisation, the Islamic Research and Da’awa Foundation, has filed a suit against Arewa24 Television channel and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over alleged violations of broadcasting and public morality standards in some Hausa-language programmes.
The case is scheduled to come up today Wednesday, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kano.
In the suit, the Foundation accused Arewa24 of producing and airing content that allegedly features indecent dressing, obscene expressions and sexually suggestive language, which it said contravene cultural values, Islamic ethics and Nigeria’s broadcasting codes.
The plaintiff is seeking an order of injunction restraining the television station from producing, streaming or rebroadcasting any Hausa-language content considered inconsistent with public morality, cultural decency and national ethical standards.
The NBC was joined as a co-defendant over what the plaintiff described as regulatory lapses in enforcing compliance with established broadcasting guidelines.
The suit has draw attention to stakeholders and observers, who say the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Hausa-language television content and regulatory oversight, especially at a time when satellite and digital broadcasters are expanding their reach across Northern Nigeria.
At today’s hearing at the Federal High Court, Kano, the court is expected to consider the plaintiff’s application for injunctive relief.
Efforts to get comments from Arewa24 and the NBC were unsuccessful as of press time.
