NBC sanctions AIT, Channels, Arise TV for #EndSARS coverage

The National Broadcasting Commission has fined Channels TV, Arise TV and Africa Independent Television for their “unprofessional coverage” of the #EndSARS protests.

The acting Director-General of the NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, announced this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

The NBC had last week warned all television and radio stations against reporting the #EndSARS protests in a manner that could embarrass the government or private individuals or cause disaffection, incite the public or cause rift in the society.

This came as a human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), said the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 And Beyond had commenced an investigation into last Tuesday shootings of protesters at the Lekki tollgate.

Falana is the Chairman of the group.

He said ASCAB had identified the barracks where the soldiers who opened fire on protesters came from.

Falana disclosed this on Monday during an interview with Arise TV.

“We have already identified the barracks where the soldiers left for Lekki, we have already identified the barracks,” he said.

But he failed to give the name of the barracks.

Falana added, “The President was likely to have been told soldiers were ordered so I want to believe that’s why it was not addressed. They said it was a rumour but I think the facts are emerging now, that indeed soldiers went to Lekki; indeed, they fired at protesters and indeed some of the protesters at least two have been officially acknowledged to have died from gunshot wounds.

“The Nigerian government has no respect for the rule of law and has ensured they stave off all forms of protests in the country.

“Every designated venue for protest in the country have been fenced by the government to prevent demonstrations.

“In Lagos, the Gani Fawehinmin Square has been fenced while the Unity Fountain in Abuja has also been fenced, and the same government has said citizens have the right to protest.”