“Truth is a big crime in Nigeria” – Eedris Abdulkareem slams NBC over song ban

Veteran rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has fired back at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after the regulatory body banned his new single “Tell Your Papa,” labeling the move as an attempt to silence truth and suppress constructive criticism.

This came after NBC issued a memo on April 9, 2025, banning “Tell Your Papa” from airplay, citing violations of decency standards.

Taking to Instagram, the outspoken artist condemned the ban as politically motivated, accusing the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu of being “insensitive” and “vindictive.”

“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,” Abdulkareem wrote.

In his post, Eedris likened the recent ban to the 2004 censorship of his iconic protest song “Jaga Jaga” by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, questioning Nigeria’s progress in the face of repeated suppression of dissenting voices.

“This present government led by President Bola Tinubu is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administration ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria,” he added.

Abdulkareem further criticized the NBC’s directive to broadcast stations, which labeled the song as “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB)” due to its “objectionable nature” under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. He suggested the move was a deliberate effort to shield the government from public scrutiny.

“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.