COURT ORDERS REOPENING OF AFRICA INDEPENDENT TELEVISION, RAY POWER

The Thursday development has been met with condemnations, with activists accusing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of attempting to clamp down on free press.

Penpushing further reports that, the judge, Justice, Inyang Ekwo in his ruling on Friday, said both parties should maintain status quo as of May 30 when the case by Daar Communication was filed.

“I have noted the eight grounds upon which the exparte application was hinged upon, application of this nature must be considered judicially and judiciously. That, I have done. I hereby order that parties shall maintain status quo ante bellum as at May 30, 2019 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this case.”

Penpushing reports that, the company  represented by its founder, Raymond Dokpesi, had in a exparte motion prayed the court to order the maintenance of status quo ante bellum as at May 30,and also prayed the court to “restrain the defendants from blocking and/or interfering with the air waves of Daar Communication Plc in any way and manner howsoever, in its broadcast and airing of news, views, documentaries, or any other legitimate broadcast material that is usually associated with television, radio or social media broadcast pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed along with the exparte application.”

The Daar Communications also prayed the court to restrain the defendants from invading or closing down the premises of the company, its operations or broadcast services, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed along with this application.

Penpushing further reports that, the Federal Ministry of Information and the Attorney General of the Federation were defendants in the case.