…As BoT Chairman flags their activities amid worsening security situation in the state
Aminu Imam
The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has publicly distanced itself from individuals it describes as “unauthorised impostors” and reaffirmed its legal challenge against AREWA24 TV channel, intensifying a dispute over broadcasting rights, cultural representation, and regulatory compliance in Northern Nigeria.
Recall that Arewa24 filed a ₦10 billon defamation suit against Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Atar Communications Nigeria Limited (operators of Liberty TV and Radio) and the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA), following a series of what they claimed was a false, damaging and unsubstantiated allegations made against the company.
The legal action, filed at the State High Court (Jalingo), Taraba state, seeks redress for reputational damage and financial losses arising from statements allegedly issued by NBMOA and Tijjani Ramalan that Arewa24 asserts are misleading and injurious to its brand and operations.
However, in a strongly-worded statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, signed by Dr. Ramalan, the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT) said its position on protecting licensed indigenous broadcasters remains “unchanged,” insisting it is a duly registered and transparent body operating under Nigerian law.
The NBMOA said it had engaged multiple government and regulatory institutions — including the presidency, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and anti-corruption agencies — and had also taken legal action to address its grievances. The case, it noted, is currently before the courts.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations by the association that foreign interests, working with local collaborators, are exploiting Northern Nigerian identity through the use of “Arewa” and “Hausa” branding. The group maintained that its advocacy is aimed at safeguarding cultural and religious values, as well as ensuring fair treatment for local broadcasters.
The association used the statement to categorically reject claims by two individuals — Ambassador Yusuf Mamman, of JKD TV and Hamada Radio FM, and Abdullahi Yelwa, of the Arewa Broadcast Media Owners and Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) — who were referenced in a recent Arewa24 statement.
NBMOA said neither Mamman nor Yelwa is a member, trustee, or representative of the association, stressing that they were never authorised to speak on its behalf. “Their statements carry no authority and do not represent our views or interests”, the BoT stated, urging the public and relevant institutions to disregard them.
While disputing several claims made by Arewa24 TV channel, NBMOA declined to provide detailed rebuttals, citing the ongoing court proceedings.
“It would be inappropriate and prejudicial to litigate this matter in the press”, the association stated, adding that it has confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to resolve the issues based on facts. However, it accused the television network of attempting to influence public opinion through media statements while the case is still pending.
NBMOA also raised concerns about the safety of its officials, particularly its BoT Chairman, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan. The association warned that any threats or acts of intimidation linked to the dispute would be reported to the relevant law enforcement agencies and addressed through legal means.
The association called on the federal government and key regulators — including the NBC and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — to ensure a level playing field for all broadcasters and to take seriously the concerns of indigenous media operators.
Reaffirming its mission, NBMOA said it would continue to pursue its mandate through lawful channels and would not be deterred by what it described as “propaganda or smear campaigns”.
