Court Nullifies Suspension Of AIT, Raypower
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has kicked against the suspension of the licences of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower by the National Broadcasting Commission.
The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo made the declaration today after DAAR Communications, owners of AIT and Raypower, filed a suit to prevent sanction from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
In an ex parte motion filed through Mike Ozekhome, its counsel, DAAR Communications sought an order “restraining the defendants from blocking, jamming, stopping removing from air and/or interfering with the air waves of the plaintiff/applicant (Daar Plc) in any way and manner howsoever called from invading the premises of the plaintiff/applicant (Daar Plc) or closing down, viet armis, the said premises, its operations or broadcast services, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed along with this application.”
Justice Ekwo then asked NBC and the stations to maintain the status quo as of May 31 when the suit was filed.
He also ordered the NBC and the ministry of information to appear on Thursday and show cause why the motion on notice challenging the licence withdrawal should not be granted.
