Amnesty International has criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s song "Tell Your Papa,"Calling the move unconstitutional and a violation of freedom of expression.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, Amnesty International described the ban as “unlawful, arbitrary, and deeply worrying,” asserting that it reflected a dangerous trend of censorship and intolerance by the authorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“The National Broadcasting Commission’s blatant ban of broadcasting Eedris Abdulkareem’s song Tell Your Papa is a clear violation of freedom of expression, which includes the right to obtain information,” the organisation said.

The NBC issued the ban on April 9, 2025, classifying the track as “Not to Be Broadcast” due to its allegedly “objectionable” content, based on Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The song, which has gone viral online, features Abdulkareem urging Seyi Tinubu to inform his father, President Bola Tinubu, about the worsening conditions in the country.

In response, Abdulkareem condemned the ban, accusing the government of being intolerant of criticism and stifling free speech. He described the current administration as vindictive and out of touch with the people.

Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) demanded that the NBC and the government reverse the decision within 48 hours, arguing that the ban violates Nigerians’ right to free expression.

This situation mirrors a similar controversy from 2004, when Abdulkareem’s song "Jaga Jaga" was also banned for criticizing the government.