Satire Under Siege: A Legal Perspective On Eedris Abdulkareem’s ‘Tell Your Papa’ And The Struggle For Free Speech In Nigeria

In the wake of Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic realities, the resurgence of politically conscious music by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem¹ has rekindled a long-standing conversation about the limits of free speech and government accountability. His new single, “Tell Your Papa,”² presents a satirical critique of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling on his son, Seyi Tinubu³, to “tell his father” that Nigerians are enduring unprecedented hardship. The song touches on inflation, insecurity, corruption, and misplaced infrastructural priorities such as the controversial ₦4.6 billion per kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal road project under the supervision of Works Minister David Umahi.

In response, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)⁴ issued a directive on 9 April 2025 banning the song from being broadcast across all radio and television stations in Nigeria. The ban, which the NBC claims is pursuant to Section 3.8.1 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, has triggered widespread criticism and legal discourse.

This article evaluates the propriety of the satirical song, the legal and constitutional implications of the NBC’s ban, and the broader democratic role of satire in holding governments accountable.

Satire as Political Criticism: A Legitimate Democratic Tool

Satire is a protected form of expression under Section 39(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides:

 Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.⁵

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights⁶ , also reinforces this right in Article 9 thus:

“Every individual shall have the right to receive information” and “to express and disseminate his opinions within the law. ((African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, LFN 2004, art 9.)) ”

Satire, such as “Tell Your Papa”, falls squarely within these protections, especially when it is used to highlight issues of public concern like corruption, poor governance, and abuse of power⁷. In DPP v. Chike Obi⁸, the court held that criticism of government policies, even when harsh or offensive, is not seditious unless it incites violence or public disorder. This principle has guided Nigeria’s jurisprudence on free speech for decades. Further, in Arthur Nwankwo v. The State⁹, the Court of Appeal held that:

 “Those who occupy sensitive positions must develop thick skins and accept criticism, whether fair or unfair, provided it is not a call to violence.¹⁰”

The Song’s Message and the Reality It Reflects

Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” is a clear articulation of the public mood:

i. Economic Malaise: The removal of fuel subsidy without effective palliative mechanisms has intensified hardship. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation rates have continued to rise, with food inflation reaching record highs in 2024 and 2025¹¹.

ii. Security Crisis: Insecurity remains pervasive, with banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings still rampant. Government claims of improved security are belied by frequent attacks, especially in the North and Middle Belt¹².

iii. Infrastructural Misplacement: The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is widely seen as an elitist venture, benefiting few while federal roads in cities like Aba, Onitsha, and Kaduna remain impassable¹³.

These are not baseless rants; they are reflections of the facts observable by ordinary Nigerians. The Nigerian Constitution empowers citizens to speak out against such maladministration. Indeed, Section 22 of the Constitution places an obligation on the press and media to hold the government accountable to the people¹⁴.

NBC’s Ban: An Unconstitutional Overreach?

The NBC, through a letter dated 9th April 2025, and signed by Susan Obi¹⁵ directed all broadcast stations in Nigeria to cease airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa.” The NBC premised this action on Section 3.8.1 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits publication of-

a. language or scene likely to encourages or incites to crime, or lead to disorder.

b. programme that contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority or compromises the unity or corporate co-existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

c. programme if it treats crime in a frivolous manner or in a manner that seems to condone it¹⁶.

However, this sweeping ban raises serious constitutional concerns. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39(1). Any restriction must pass the constitutional threshold of reasonableness and justifiability in a democratic society, as required by Section 45(1). Courts in Nigeria have consistently upheld this standard. In Director of SSS v. Olisa Agbakoba, the Court of Appeal emphasized that government agencies must justify any limitation on free speech under the strict standards of necessity and proportionality¹⁷.

Eedris Abdulkareem’s song is not a call to violence or hate. It is a satirical reflection of real socio-political grievances. Without any evidence of breach of peace or incitement to disorder, the NBC’s action—signed by a senior official—amounts to administrative censorship, which is incompatible with democratic norms and judicial precedents. Notably, while Section 2(1)(b) of the NBC Act empowers the Commission to regulate content, it must do so in line with constitutional safeguards.¹⁸

Historical Precedent: “Jaga Jaga” and Obasanjo’s Backlash

This is not the first time Eedris Abdulkareem has used his music to challenge the status quo. In 2004, he released the song “Nigeria Jaga Jaga”, criticizing corruption, poor governance, and decay under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

President Obasanjo reacted angrily, calling the song “abusive” and “condemnable.” The NBC then unofficially discouraged its airplay, but no official ban was issued. The song gained widespread popularity and became an anthem for frustrated Nigerians.¹⁹

Years later, Jaga Jaga became prophetic of many governance failures that have persisted through subsequent administrations. The backlash only amplified the message and increased Abdulkareem’s relevance.

Comparative Jurisprudence and Democratic Norms

Internationally, freedom of expression through satire has been upheld in several jurisdictions: 

In Lingens v. Austria, the European Court of Human Rights held that public officials must tolerate a greater degree of criticism and that political expression enjoys heightened protection²⁰.

In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan 376 U.S. 254 (1964), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the freedom of press and expression cannot be curtailed simply because it offends those in power.²¹

These decisions underscore the point that democracy demands robust public discourse, even when uncomfortable.

Conclusion: Let Satire Speak Truth to Power

The NBC’s ban on “Tell Your Papa” is not only unconstitutional but also counterproductive. Instead of silencing voices of dissent, the Nigerian government should confront the substance of the criticisms.

The courts have affirmed that freedom of expression, especially political satire, is essential for democratic survival. Suppressing it only deepens the alienation between government and the governed.

As long as “Tell Your Papa” remains relevant to the Nigerian condition, no ban can erase its message. It is a reminder that the people are watching, speaking, and demanding accountability.

So, Seyi Tinubu, go and “Tell Your Papa!”

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About the Author

Sunday Nelson Ogboso, Esq. is a practising Attorney at the law firm of I.I Ekwerekwu, Ekwerekwu & Co. located at No. 2 Court Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. He is also a legal scholar and corporate law enthusiast pursuing a Master’s degree in Corporate, Commercial, and Business Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He is passionate about constitutional law, business law, and governance reforms in Nigeria.

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 09032032811.

1. Eedris Abdulkareem is a prominent Nigerian musician, rapper, and activist known for his bold and socially conscious music. He gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his hit songs like “Jaga Jaga,” which critiqued the Nigerian political system. Abdulkareem is renowned for using his music as a platform for political commentary, often addressing issues such as corruption, bad governance, and social injustice. His latest track, “Tell Your Papa”, continues this tradition, using satire to criticize the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu. [↩]
2. Eedris Abdulkareem’s “Tell Your Papa” was released on April 6, 2025. [↩]
3. Seyi Tinubu is the son of Bola Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria. He is a businessman and the CEO of Loatsad Promomedia, a digital advertising company. As a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and business landscape, his connection to the presidency likely informs Eedris Abdulkareem’s call for him to communicate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians to his father, emphasizing the need for change in the government’s policies. [↩]
4. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is the primary regulatory body for the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. It was established to regulate and control the broadcasting industry, ensuring quality programming, fair competition, and adherence to ethical standards. The NBC also plays a role in advising the federal government on broadcasting policies and issues. [↩]
5. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), section 39(1). [↩]
6. which has been domesticated in Nigeria by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, LFN 2004, [↩]
7. Eric Barendt, Freedom of Speech (2nd edn, Oxford University Press 2005), 151–153. [↩]
8. DPP v. Chike Obi (1961) 1 All NLR 186. [↩]
9. (1985) 6 NCLR 228 [↩]
10. Arthur Nwankwo v. The State (1985) 6 NCLR 228. [↩]
11. National Bureau of Statistics, “Inflation Report 2024/2025” (NBS, 2025). [↩]
12. Institute for Economics & Peace, Global Terrorism Index 2024 (Sydney: IEP, 2024). [↩]
13. Sunday Nelson Ogboso, field note observation, 2025. [↩]
14. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), section 22 provides:  “The press, radio, television and other and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people”. [↩]
15. Susan Obi is the Coordinating Director, Broadcast Monitoring of the NBC [↩]
16. Nigeria Broadcasting Code, 6th edn (2020), s 3.8.1. [↩]
17. Director of SSS v. Olisa Agbakoba (1999) 3 NWLR (Pt. 595) 314. [↩]
18. National Broadcasting Commission Act Cap N11, LFN 2004, s 2(1)(b). [↩]
19. “Obasanjo Blasts Eedris Abdulkareem over ‘Jaga Jaga’ Song”, The Guardian (Lagos, 2004). [↩]
20. Lingens v. Austria (1986) 8 EHRR 407. [↩]
21. New York Times Co. v. Sullivan 376 U.S. 254 (1964). [↩]