Nigeria’s broadcaster, News Central Media Limited has removed from its social media platforms a controversial video clip in which a guest allegedly called for the extrajudicial killing of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
The broadcaster announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday, days after Kanu’s legal team threatened legal action against the television station and the guest, Chigozie Nnabugwu, over the comments.
DAILY POST recalls that Kanu’s lawyers, led by his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had described the remarks as unlawful and inflammatory, alleging that Nnabugwu urged the Federal Government to kill the IPOB leader “for normalcy to return to the Southeast.”
The legal team also accused News Central of amplifying the statement by publishing the video on its verified X handle on July 19, warning that the station could face legal and regulatory consequences if it failed to retract the content and issue an apology.
Responding to the allegations, News Central stated that it does not endorse or support any statement advocating violence, unlawful conduct or the extrajudicial killing of any individual.
The media organisation said its editorial philosophy is rooted in responsible journalism, the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the protection of fundamental human rights.
It stressed that opinions expressed by guests and commentators during live broadcasts are their personal views and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of the organisation.
The station, however, acknowledged its responsibility to ensure that its platforms are not used to promote incitement, hate speech or statements capable of threatening public peace or undermining confidence in the administration of justice.
According to the statement, News Central carried out an internal review of the edition of its Breakfast Xtra programme and the deleted digital content following concerns raised by Kanu’s legal team.
“As part of that review and in the exercise of our editorial discretion, the specific video clip referenced in the press release has been removed from our social media platforms,” the statement read.
The broadcaster maintained that the removal of the video should not be interpreted as an admission of liability or wrongdoing, stressing that the decision was taken in line with its commitment to responsible journalism and the careful management of content that had generated significant public concern.
News Central also reaffirmed its commitment to complying with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and other applicable laws regulating broadcasting in the country.
