Terrorism reporting: Withdraw threat to sanction BBC, Trust TV, SERAP tells Buhari

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the threat to sanction the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Daily Trust over their documentaries on terrorism in Nigeria.

In a 50-minute documentary titled ‘The Bandit Warlords of Zamfara’, the BBC Africa Eye provided insight into the mindset of bandit kingpins, the booming kidnap-for-ransom industry, and how Zamfara’s insecurity may have been brought on by the ethnic conflict between Hausa and Fulani groups.

In March, Trust TV, an arm of Daily Trust Newspaper, published a special report and documentary which exposed major issues around banditry in Nigeria.

On Thursday, Lai Mohammad, minister of information and culture, said the two media houses would be sanctioned over the documentaries he described as the “naked glorification of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria”.

But in a letter dated July 30, 2022, signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy director, the organisation said the threat is inconsistent with relevant laws.

“The media has the duty to impart information and ideas on issues of public importance. If carried out, the threat to sanction the BBC and Daily Trust would inhibit the media from reporting on issues of public interest, ” the letter reads in part. 

“Rather than punishing the media for promoting access to diverse opinions and information on issues of public importance, your government should focus on delivering your promises to ensure the security of Nigerians.”

“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions in the public interest.”

“A free, uncensored, and unhindered press or other media is essential in any society to ensure freedom of opinion and expression and the enjoyment of other rights. It constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.”

“Sanctioning the BBC and Daily Trust would be entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”