Veteran Nigerian rapper and social activist Eedris Abdulkareem has launched a scathing attack on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) following its recent decision to ban his new politically charged single, “Tell Your Papa.” Abdulkareem took to Instagram to express his disappointment and frustration, calling the move a clear attempt to silence truth-tellers and suppress voices of reason and resistance in Nigeria’s current sociopolitical landscape.
The ban was officially announced in a memo released by the NBC on April 9, 2025, where the regulatory body declared the track “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)” due to alleged violations of the commission’s decency and broadcast standards. The song reportedly fell short under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits materials deemed to be “objectionable” or “not suitable for public broadcast.”
In his strongly worded reaction, Abdulkareem slammed the commission’s directive, accusing the NBC of acting under the influence of the current President Bola Tinubu-led administration. According to the outspoken artist, the ban reflects a deeper culture of intolerance, authoritarianism, and vindictiveness, where speaking truth to power has become a punishable offense.
“NBC JUST BANNED MY NEW SINGLE ‘TELL YOUR PAPA’… It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government,” Eedris wrote on his verified Instagram page, echoing the sentiment of many Nigerians frustrated with the country’s shrinking civic space.
He further compared the current situation to a similar experience he had in 2004, when his legendary protest anthem “Jaga Jaga” was banned by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration for criticizing government corruption and social decay. Abdulkareem questioned whether the country had made any real progress in terms of democratic values and freedom of expression, or whether history was merely repeating itself under a different regime.
“This present government led by President Bola Tinubu is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria,” he added, condemning the leadership’s attitude towards accountability and citizen expression.
The veteran artist also faulted the NBC’s justification for the ban, arguing that the government was more interested in shielding itself from public scrutiny than in upholding moral standards. He accused authorities of metaphorically hiding the candle of truth under the table instead of confronting the nation’s real issues.
“They are instructing broadcast houses to shield the government by hiding the candle under the table… Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years? The conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal it. Aluta Continua!” he noted in his closing remarks, reaffirming his commitment to activism and truth-telling through music.
The ban has since sparked a flurry of reactions across social media, with fans, civil society advocates, and fellow artists rallying behind Eedris Abdulkareem, urging the government to respect freedom of expression and allow creative voices to thrive without fear of censorship or persecution.