NBC condemns EFCC for arresting presenter on live

The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has condemned the arrest of a presenter on a live programme in Urban Radio 94.5 FM, Enugu State by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Monday by the NBC Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Susan Obi, the commission strongly condemns the unfortunate incident that occurred on October 14, where operatives from the EFCC disrupted a live broadcast to effect the arrest of presenter Favour Ekoh.

According to the commission, “the action is deemed unacceptable and infringes on the principles of freedom of expression and the rights of the media to operate without undue interference.”

“The NBC expresses strong reservations regarding the EFCC’s approach, citing concerns about potential consequences including public disorder, disturbance, mass panic, and hysteria,” Mrs. Susan stated.

It considers the action to be inappropriate and unfortunate, given the vital role that broadcast media fulfills in societal development and information dissemination.

While commending the EFCC’s fight against financial crimes, the NBC tenders unreserved apologies to the listening public, the people of Enugu State, and the broadcast industry for the regrettable incident.

The director appealed to the public to remain law-abiding and urged media professionals to uphold exemplary ethical conduct in their reporting.

Earlier reports indicated that the EFCC provided clarification on the circumstances surrounding the raid on the widely-listened-to radio station in Enugu.

Reports previously released stated, “the anti-graft agency stormed the radio station during a live transmission, confiscating equipment valued at millions of naira and detaining several staff members, including an on-air presenter.”

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale during a telephone interview with reporters provided clarification on the matter.

Oyewale stated that the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command visited the radio station solely to apprehend a journalist implicated in a Ponzi scheme, following its refusal to comply with the commission’s invitation.

He reported that “the individual was briefly taken into custody, made a statement, and was released without delay.”

The Head of Media stressed that no items were taken from the radio station, thereby contradicting initial reports alleging seizure of equipment.

He said, “all the reports that the EFCC moved to the newsroom and took away their equipment are all lies.”

Oyewale revealed, “the arrested individual is suspected of involvement in a Ponzi scheme affecting over 103 persons.

The suspect is employed by the radio station where the arrest occurred.

“Previously, the Investigative Head mentioned that the journalist was contacted through official channels but did not reply.”

“Her alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, given her profession and the significant number of victims, raises serious concerns.”

“It’s unfortunate that the suspect is a journalist, but all individuals are treated equally under the law, regardless of profession.”

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors.

NBC

The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is the regulatory body for broadcasting in Nigeria.

Mandate

The NBC regulates and monitors broadcasting in Nigeria, ensures compliance with broadcasting codes and standards, and issues licenses to broadcasting stations.

History

The broadcasting commission was established in 1992 by Decree 38 and it became an independent commission in 1999.

Functions

The commission develops and enforces broadcasting regulations and conducts inspections and monitoring.

Also, it handles complaints and disputes and promotes local content and indigenous languages.

Structure

The NBC is Headed by a Director-General and comprises six departments including Licensing, Monitoring, Legal, Finance, Administration, and Public Affairs.

Key Initiatives

Its initiatives include Digital Switch-Over (DSO) policy, implementation of the National Broadcasting Code and promotion of local content and indigenous languages.

Licensing Process

The NBC licensing process includes application submission, review and verification, payment of license fees and issuance of license

Challenges

The commission faces challenges in ensuring compliance with regulations, managing the transition to digital broadcasting, and addressing concerns around censorship and freedom of expression.

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