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  • NBC, centre set agenda for community broadcasters

    NBC, centre set agenda for community broadcasters

    Director-General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, and Executive Director Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) Akin Akingbulu have called on community broadcasters to embrace professionalism and sound management practices that promote sustainability. 

    They

    Ebuebu stated that by upholding high standards of professionalism, ‘we not only earn the trust of our audience but also enhance the quality and credibility of our broadcasting. Our stations have the power to amplify diverse voices, ignite conversations, and drive collective action towards shared goals within our communities.’

    While highlighting the power of community radio stations to amplify diverse voices, promote dialogue and drive collective action towards shared community goals, he urged community broadcasters to leverage their platforms to inspire dialogue and drive positive change within their respective communities. He spoke in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop jointly organized by NBC and the CEMESO.

    He stressed the importance of earning the audience’s trust and elevating the quality and credibility of community broadcasting, adding that the workshop was designed to enable broadcasters uphold high standards of professionalism and develop innovative strategies for effectively serving their target communities through ethical conduct.

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    For Akingbulu, who underscored the vital role that community broadcasters play in promoting democracy, charged broadcasters to advance civic voter education and ensure effective professional media coverage, on electoral cycle using diverse radio programming formats. Akingbulu outlined the significant contributions of CEMESO within the framework of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Project II. The initiative, according to him, is to bolster democracy in Nigeria, with CEMESO focusing on the media’s role in providing fair, accurate, inclusive, and professional electoral coverage.

    Key objectives include enhancing the professionalism of media practitioners, particularly women, and diversifying civic and voter education (CVE). Additionally, the project seeks to strengthen the regulatory body’s capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively.

    Akingbulu said the workshop was meticulously designed to strengthen professionalism, civic engagement, and sustainability in community broadcasting.

    He stressed the unique position in reaching local populations and fostering grassroots participation in democratic processes.

    The workshop that was held in two batches over four days for community radio and campus radio practitioners, provided an invaluable platform for participants from across the country.

    It also culminated in peer reviews and the development of actionable plans especially on sustainability to further enable participants enhance their contribution to democratic governance.

    Through these efforts, CEMESO and the EU-SDGN Project aim to ensure that the media landscape in Nigeria not only supports democracy but actively nurtures it. The focus on professionalism, civic engagement, and sustainability in community broadcasting is seen as a critical step towards achieving these goals.

  • Ex-THISDAY staff gets NBC’s nod to operate first children’s TV

    Ex-THISDAY staff gets NBC’s nod to operate first children’s TV

    In a groundbreaking move, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has granted a licence to a former Editorial Member of THISDAY Newspapers, Idowu Sowunmi, to operate Nigeria’s first-ever children’s television station.

    The new station, which will be sited in Lagos State, is expected to cater specifically to the entertainment and educational needs of the country’s ever-growing population of the youngest citizens. Programming will include a range of locally-produced and international content, including cartoons, educational shows, and live-action series.

    Sowunmi said his company, Three Tees Entertainment Limited, was committed to providing high-quality, age-appropriate content that promotes learning, creativity, and positive values.

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    The launch of this station will mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape and is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of children across the country.

    Speaking further, Sowunmi, who is the company’s Chairman/Chief Promoter, said: “We are honoured at Three Tees Entertainment Limited to pioneering this initiative.”

    According to him, “We are dedicated to creating a platform that inspires, educates, and entertains Nigeria’s future leaders. We’re also coming up with the First Children’s Radio as soon as we secure the necessary approval.

    “Available demographic records indicate that aged 0 to 14 years account for more than 44 per cent of Nigeria’s total population, that’s about 100 million. Our focus is to give this huge population a voice, a veritable platform to express themselves, and make meaningful contributions towards overall societal development.”

  • Editors Guild hails ruling on NBC Code

    Editors Guild hails ruling on NBC Code

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has hailed the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which  declared null and void some provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    The code allows the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches.

    Speaking in a statement by its President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the NGE also faulted the reported invasion of ABN TV by a team of the Nigeria Police Force to arrest a guest during a Live-Programme in Umuahia, Abia State.

    Ruling in a suit instituted by a pro-media rights group, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), against the NBC – following the commission’s imposition of fines of N5 million each on three television stations in 2022 for allegedly undermining Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry in Nigeria, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the NBC not being a court of law, acted above its powers by imposing such fines.

    The judge also commended the MRA for its legal challenge of the NBC’s action and issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the commission or anyone acting on its behalf from further imposing any fine on any media platform or broadcast station in Nigeria for any alleged offence committed under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia set aside the fines imposed by the NBC on August 3, 2022 on Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of DSTV; TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV); Trust-TV Network Limited; and NTA Startimes Limited for broadcasting a documentary about the state of banditry and security in Zamfara State, saying the regulator’s action was wrong and unjustifiable in a democratic society.

    The NGE statement said Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s ruling vindicated its consistent position over the years that the NBC cannot be the accuser, the investigator and the judge on matters relating to alleged breaches of the Broadcast Code.

    Read Also: NBC cautions broadcast stations against compromise

    It reads: “Our position has always been that an independent body, institution or competent court of law should be the one to examine any perceived infraction by the broadcast stations, which should be given the opportunity to defend themselves.

    “The court is right in its ruling – by saying that NBC had arrogated judiciary power to itself by imposing fine arbitrarily without recourse to the law.”

    The editors reiterated their earlier resolution to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and other stakeholders over the NBC Act and the Broadcast Code of Conduct – with the aim to amend and reform them to conform to the global best practices.

    Criticising the reported invasion of the Abia television station, the Guild said that the action was unnecessary and uncalled for.

    The Guild added that despite repeated plead by the staff to the police officers to allow the programme to come to an end before the guest could be arrested, the police still whisked him away while the live programme was on.

    “This action of the police is uncivilized, barbaric and confrontational. No matter the enormity of the alleged offence, the police officers could have without difficulty waited for the live programme to come to an end before swinging into action”, the NGE stated.

  • NBC cautions broadcast stations against compromise

    NBC cautions broadcast stations against compromise

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcast stations against compromising the ethics of the profession ahead of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states.

    The warning, NBC said in a statement, followed some trends noticed where ethics and ethos have been thrown to the winds by politicians, using broadcast media platforms.

    This, the commission said is against the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, in Section 5, that in using materials for news and current affairs programmes, the broadcaster shall avoid hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory and divisive remarks or allusions.

    The commission therefore, urged broadcasters to desist from using or allowing their platforms and facilities to be used by politicians, their supporters and/ or sympathisers, for the broadcast of contents that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.

    Read Also: Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi polls: NBC warns broadcast stations against compromise, violation of ethics

    The statement reads partly: “The National Broadcasting Commission wish to remind broadcasters covering the forthcoming elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, to take note of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and other relevant regulations guiding the broadcast of Elections in Nigeria.

    “The commission has observed with deep concerns, how ethics and ethos have been thrown to the winds by politicians, using broadcast media platforms. This is against the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, in Section 5, that in using materials for news and current affairs programmes, the broadcaster shall avoid hate speech, inflammatory, derogatory and divisive remarks or allusions.

    “Conclusively, the commission enjoins all broadcasters to desist from using or allowing their platforms and facilities to be used by politicians, their supporters and/ or sympathisers, for the broadcast of contents that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.

    “Broadcasters are, therefore, expected to perform the role of peace agents by adhering to the principles of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”

  • NBC boss Bolarinwa charges broadcast stations over professionalism

    NBC boss Bolarinwa charges broadcast stations over professionalism

    Board chairman, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa has charged broadcast organisations across the country to always pursue professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    BOB, as he is fondly called, gave the charge when management members of HarmonyFM, Idofian, Kwara State paid him a visit in Ilorin.

    The visit was to appreciate the NBC Board Chairman’s role in the facilitation of a new transmitter for the radio station.

    Bolarinwa explained that the media hold a sensitive position in society hence the need for them to be fair and objective in their reportage.

    Read Also: NBC serves Arise TV final warning on alleged violation of Broadcasting Code

    He thanked the management members of Harmony FM for the visit and promised to continue to assist the station in ways necessary.

    Speaking, the General Manager (GM) of HarmonyFM,   Abdulwahab Akoshile who led the management team on the visit, described Bolarinwa as a selfless man who has impacted positively in lives of people and communities whom he had served, while praying that God lifts the NBC Board Chairman to greater heights.

    Akoshile stated that Bolarinwa displayed his commitment to serving people since he was the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government area many years back with the execution of many people’s oriented programmes which had been in existence in Ebute Metta till today.

    He explained that his good work then gave him another opportunity to serve as a member of the House of Representatives in Abuja before he moved to Kwara to pursue his gubernatorial ambition.

    Harmony FM later presented an award to Bolarinwa to appreciate his good work for the station and community at large.  

  • NBC releases maiden sustainability report

    Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) has unveiled its maiden Sustainability Report.

    The Public Affairs and Communications Director, Mr. Ekuma Eze, described the report as a compilation of NBC’s social impact and environmental stewardship in the last few years.

    He stated that the report features the impact of the company’s investment in youths, women empowerment, health, environment, human capacity building and education.

    “Between 2012 and last year, NBC invested over $1billion in the local economy and is poised to invest more in expansion and upgrade of our facilities across the country to boost production capacity and create employment for Nigerians,” he added.

    He said in line with the company’s 2025 sustainability goals, the company was already diversifying its energy sources to ensure that it contributes to the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) Group’s target to have a greater percentage of its energy from renewable and clean energy sources.

    Eze noted that sustainability remains a priority for driving business  at NBC, adding that the company has invested millions of dollars in installing technology in its plants to ensure the protection of water resource and that safe water is recycled into the environment.

     

  • UPDATED: NBC shuts down Daar Communication until further notice

    The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has suspended the license of Daar Communication Plc, promoter of AIT, RAY POWER until further notice.

    The Director-General of NBC, Modibbo Kawu announced the shutdown on Thursday.

    He said the action was taken for failure of the broadcasting station to abide by the broadcasting code.

    NBC had threatened to sanction Daar Communications Group over the use of social media comments in one of its programmes, Kakaaki, and ‘unprofessional’ conducts by the media house.

    The NBC, Nigeria’s broadcast regulatory commission, had also requested the media house to explain why it should not be sanctioned for broadcasting ‘inciting’ and ‘unfair’ contents.

    But in his reaction, the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of DAAR Communications Plc, owner of RayPower FM, African Independent Television (AIT) and FAAJI FM, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi protested against threat, saying that it is a plot by the Government of the day to gag the media and suppress free speech.

    Dokposi who led a protest March in Abuja instead that the broadcasting stations have not violated any code of broadcasting as alleged by the NBC.

    ” The NBC and the government in power are not comfortable with the broadcast industry because of its courageous and dogged stance in informing Nigerians on happenings in the country.

    “We are in a Democracy and must all rise to defend Nigeria from anti-democratic forces,” he added.

    In what looks like a swift reaction to the protest, the Commission announced the indefinite suspension.

    Read also: Dokpesi protests alleged witch-hunt by NBC boss

    Besides, the commission also note that part of the sins of Dar Communication was its failure to be up to date with its due.

    This Kawu said must be paid before any consideration for pardon beside other laid down rules that must be met.

    The NBC boss also denied any partisan position in the shutdown saying that the broadcasting station on many occasions fell shut of the broadcasting code .

    He said ” Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

    “Consequently, after several meetings with management of DaarCommunications Plc and many letters of warning.  The NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11

    “The SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.”

    He said the commission drew its powers to suspend the broadcast station from its establishing Act.

    “This decision is based on the provisions of Section 10 of the Third Schedule of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which states as follows:

     

    “where in the opinion of the Commission the station has been used in a manner detrimental to national interest.

    “where there is wilful or repeated failure to operate substantially as set forth in the licence

    “where there is wilful or repeated violation or wilful or repeated failure to observe any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission authorised by this Act or by a treaty ratified by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “where there is violation of or failure to observe any cease and desist order issued by the Commission;

    “where a provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code has been seriously breached.”

    Given background to the shutdown, Kawu who chronicled the many offenses of the broadcasting station said, “Following monitoring reports and complaints from concerned Nigerians about the broadcast contents of Daar Communications Plc’s AIT/Raypower broadcast stations, the NBC have over the last 2 years summoned on several occasions management of the company to address issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower with the company, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT.

    “In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

    “Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues.  Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7thFebruary, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code.  The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

    “However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on the need to exercise caution in the use of user generated content from the social media knowing how volatile and misleading the social media has become. The management of Daar Communication Plc thereafter took to the social media to display our official correspondences.

    “Recently, the Commission’s monitoring reports on AIT/Raypower indicate the use of divisive comments accredited to the segment of “Kakaaki”, tagged, “Kakaaki Social”, where inciting comments like, “Nigeria  is cursed, we declare independent state of Niger Delta”, “Nigeria irritates me”, “this country is gradually Islamizing” and other similar slogans are used without editorial control in breach of the broadcast Code.  We were therefore constrained to issue Daar Communication letters of warning dated May 27th, 2019.

    “We also observed from monitoring reports that a documentary on the Presidential Election Tribunal, a pending election petition matter aired on AIT on Wednesday and Thursday, 22ndand 23rd May, 2019 without regard to the provisions of the Broadcast Code.  The Commission, in line with its regulatory powers again cautioned AIT in another letter also dated 27thMay, 2019.

    “However, instead of making amends, the management of Daar Communications Plc resorted to the use of media propaganda against the regulator.  Even the letters from the NBC were posted on social media platforms.”

    Needless to state that Daar Communications have over the years turned themselves into a bad example of how a professional broadcast outfit should not be run.

    In their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carry on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the Commission.  They don’t pay their license fees as and when due.

    Its broadcast is patently partisan and one-sided and deliberately inciting and heating the polity.  The management of the Company has created the habit of using the channel to fight its personal battles contrary to the statutory requirements of the law.

     

  • Fulani radio also for fishermen, hunters, farmers, migrants- NBC

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) said yesterday that the proposed Fulani radio station is not targeted at herdsmen alone.

    It said the radio station is essentially for nomadic education outreach programmes, including electronically-mediated ones.

    Reacting to the criticism trailing the introduction of the radio station, the NBC said in a statement that the National Commission for Nomadic Education duly applied for a broadcast license to develop and maintain nomadic education outreach programmes.

    It said the medium is not meant to serve a particular group only.

    It reminded all broadcasters to be mindful of their social responsibility of promoting the well-being and peaceful co-existence of the various groups in Nigeria in keeping with the objectives of broadcasting in the country.

    Read also: Activists seek probe of alleged licence scam at NBC

    It said the letter of provisional approval dated September 28, 2018, was issued to the National Commission for Nomadic Education. The duration of the license is from October 8, 2018, to October 8, 2023. The NBC noted that the station’s programmes, which it describes as “purely educational,” will cater for the interest of migrant fishermen, herders, hunters, farmers, and migrants.

    It added, “Consequently, it is a misrepresentation for any person or organisation to imply that the licensed station was just for a particular group.

    “The commission wishes to state that similar educational broadcast licences were issued to institutions of higher learning and other governmental institutions with comparable needs, such as the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Commission, and related institutions.

     

  • NBC, CAN to Buhari: our security agencies helpless over kidnapping, killings

    Christians are worried by the “unchecked attacks” on innocent Nigerians.

    The government should ‘act fast before it’s too late,” the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said.

    According to the Christian bodies, the security agencies appear helpless in tackling the increasing kidnapping and killings in the country.

    They also urged the judiciary and the electoral umpire to be truly independent.

    The above formed parts of the communiqué issued at the end of the 106th Annual Session of the denomination that took place in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where a vote of confidence was passed on CAN President Dr. Samson Ayokunle, who doubles as the President of the NBC.

    Acknowledging Ayokunle’s sterling leadership of the Association, the members also endorsed his second term.

    The communique issued yesterday reads in part: “It is an understatement to say that there are security challenges in Nigeria today. We observed with disappointment the unchecked attack of both Nigerians and foreigners due to terrorist and various criminal activities in the country.

    “The news is filled on daily basis with sad stories of terrorist and other criminal attacks carried out by Boko Haram, herdsmen, bandits and other criminal groups resulting in kidnapping, blood shedding, raping, ritual killings and destruction of properties in all parts of Nigeria.

    “The situation has deteriorated to the extent that our law enforcement agencies appear helpless. As a matter of fact, most areas reportedly captured by military are now being recaptured by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

    But the military insists Boko Haram is not holding any territory.

    The CAN communique continued: “It is unfortunate that despite various promises by the government on the release of Leah Sharibu and other people still being held captive by Boko Haram terrorists, the lady is yet to be released.

    “Premised on the foregoing, we implore the Federal Government to uphold the sanctity of lives and protection of properties of Nigerians. We further urge government to:

    • Be proactive in responding to security challenges and bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors to book.
    • Leave no stone unturned in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and their sponsors at all levels.
    • Intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and other people in the custody of terrorist groups.
    • Equip and empower our law enforcement agencies to enable them tackle the security challenges in our nation.
    • Provide enough security in various areas under constant threat of terrorist groups’ attacks in Nigeria.”

    On the just concluded general elections, the NBC noted various allegations from different quarters of the irregularities recorded during the polls which are now subject of litigations before the election petitions’ tribunals.

    “While we are not oblivious of doubts being expressed on daily basis by concerned Nigerians about the independence of our Judiciary to handle election matters with dispatch, we are also aware that some issues raised touch on the independence of our electoral bodies to free itself from being partisan during elections and be truly independent of government.

    The NBC stated: “Premised on the foregoing, we urge the election tribunals to expeditiously resolve matters pending before them to return confidence in our judicial system.

    “We strongly call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be truly independent and free itself from partisanship in the conduct of future elections in Nigeria.

    “The Baptist Church kicked against the militarisation of the just concluded election and condemns the involvement of soldiers in strong terms and identified the dangers associated with it.

    “We observe with dismay the heavy deployment of Armed Military personnel during the just concluded elections. We recall that the duty of the military, among others, is to monitor country’s external boundaries to ward off external aggressions and definitely not to interfere in the civic duty of police and other para-military personnel during elections. We make bold to say that this is what is obtainable in civilised climes the world over.

    “There is no doubt that the presence of the military at polling units during the just concluded elections created fear in the minds of the electorate and made some voters to stay at home to avoid harassment and embarrassment.

    “In view of the dangers in using military personnel during the conduct of elections, government is strongly advised to stop deploying the military during election period. It should rather create conducive environment during elections and allow the military to concentrate on its primary duty of defending the territorial boundaries of Nigeria against external aggression.”

    The Church also expressed reservation on the failure of the government to tame unemployment and its consequences, saying: “Our youths and other victims of unemployment constitute nuisance and menace to the country”.

    Read also: Massive operations against criminals begin nationwide

    “There is a need therefore for the government to totally overhaul our school curricular with a view to focusing on entrepreneurial training of our youths and create conducive environment, such as soft loan to young graduates to start business on their own and infrastructural facilities in order to overcome unemployment and reliance on white collar jobs after graduation.”

    The communiqué, which was signed by the Chairman of the Resolution and Communique Committee, Prof. S. Akinlolu Fagbemi on behalf of other members, was circulated to reporters in Abuja by Pastor Oladeji Adebayo, Special Assistant (Media & Communications) to the CAN President.

    It also condemns the various external influences and undue pressure and meddlesomeness regarding the election of the Ninth National Assembly’s leaders without regard to principle of separation of power, among the three organs of government.

    The communique stated: “We therefore call on both government, especially the executive and other Nigerians, to stop putting undue pressure on members of the National Assembly and allow members to elect their leaders without external influences.

    “We insist that in the election of the principal officers in the National Assembly, the principle of Federal Character and equal representation of major religions in the country should be followed.

    “As CAN prepares for another round of election of its national leadership, the Baptists, who eulogised the leadership style of its President, who also doubles as the CAN President, throw their weight behind the second term bid of Rev Samson Ayokunle and urge all the blocks that make up the Association to support him for the second term.

    “We appreciate God for a successful first term, which is about to finish, in office of our President as CAN President. There is no doubt that the quality of leadership and innovations introduced by our president in the operation of CAN in Nigeria (and still provides) are unprecedented.

    “We particularly note that all the allegations against him by his detractors were unfounded as people making the allegations failed to appear and prove their allegations before the Panel set up by CAN. We are also aware that he is eligible to contest for the second term in office as CAN President.

    “Having proved himself as a worthy ambassador of the NBC and for not betraying the confidence we collectively reposed in him in his first term in office as the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we hereby pass a vote of confidence on him and hereby resolve that we robustly recommend him  for second term and seek the support of other blocks of CAN to vote him into office for second term as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).”

  • Alleged N2.5b fraud: NBC DG Kawu charged

    Trial of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Chairman Dr Ishaq Modibbo Kawu and two others will begin today in the N2.5billion fraud charge preferred against them.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charge yesterday when they were arraigned before Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The others are Pinnacle Communications Limited (PCL) Chairman Lucky Omoluwa and the Chief Operating Officer Dipo Onifade.

    They were accused of complicity in the misappropriation of the N2.5billion meant for the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) project of the Federal Government.

    The limping Kawu, who used a walking stick, and the others pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), Alex Izinyon (SAN) and A. V. Etuwewe, applied for their bail.

    Ruling on resumption of sitting, Justice Giwa-Ogunbajo granted the defendants N100million bail with two sureties each in the like sum.

    The judge directed them to perfect their bail within 10 days, failing which they could be remanded in prison until they fulfil the conditions.

    Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo ordered that the sureties must be federal civil servants not below Grade Level 17, adding that they must show evidence of tax payment within the last three years.

    One of the sureties, she said, must reside within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); must own landed property in the FCT and must depose to an affidavit of means. The sureties addresses will also be verified.

    The judge barred the defendants from travelling abroad and ordered them to deposit their international passports with the court.

    Earlier, after the defendants entered their plea, prosecution lawyer, Henry Emore, asked to be allowed to call his witnesses to start the trial.

    Read also: Man drags NBC, NAFDAC, NCPC to court over contaminated products

    The defence lawyers objected and proceeded to argue their clients’ bail applications.

    Mustapha represented Modibbo, Izinyon appeared for Omoluwa and Onifade, Etuwewe represented Pinnacle Communications Ltd.

    In the 12-count charge, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charged the defendants with abuse of office, money laundering and misleading a public officer with the intent to defraud the Federal Government, in contravention of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    In 2016, the Federal Government released N10 billion to the Ministry of Information and Culture for the execution of the digital switch-over project, which was intended to ensure the migration of government’s television stations to the digital platforms. The government equally issued a White Paper, directing how the process should be executed.

    Under the guidelines, two companies were nominated to handle the process, one of which was ITS, an affiliate of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). N1.7 billion was said to have been released to the firm as seed grant for the execution of the project.

    The ICPC alleged that Kawu fraudulently recommended Pinnacle Communications Limited, a private company, to the Minister of Information and Culture, for the release of the N2.5 billion against the guidelines contained in the White Paper.

    Some counts in the charge read:

    That you, Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, Sir Lucky Omoluwa and Dipo Onifade sometime between December 2016 and May 2017, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired with one another to use the position of Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, as Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to confer corrupt advantage on Sir Lucky Omoluwa, your friend and associate by recommending to the Hon. Minister of Information to approve payment of the sum of N2.5 billion to Pinnacle Communications Ltd, a private company owned by Sir Lucky Omoluwa as “Seed Grant” under the Digital Switch-Over programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, when you knew that the company was not entitled to receive such grant and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26 (1)(c) and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    That you, Ishaq Modibbo Kawu on or about the 11th May, 2017, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court used your position as Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to confer corrupt advantage on Sir Lucky Omoluwa, your friend and associate,  by recommending to the Hon. Minister of Information to approve payment of the sum of N2.5 billion to Pinnacle Communications Ltd, a private company owned by Sir Lucky Omoluwa as “Seed Grant” under the Digital Switch-Over programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, when you knew that the company was not entitled to receive such grant and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 26(1)(c) and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    That you, Pinnacle Communications Ltd and Sir Lucky Omoluwa on or about 2nd of June, 2017, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court took possession of and retained to your account no 1023875804 with Zenith Bank of Nigeria Plc, the sum of N2.5 billion, property of the Federal government of Nigeria, which you knew that the said sum is a direct proceed of criminal activity to wit: conspiracy, false information to a public officer and abuse of office and thereby you committed an offence contrary to section 11(a) and punishable under section 15(c) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.