Daar Communications subsidiaries, Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raypower and Faaji FM, Friday resumed operation, after a restraining order issued against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) by a federal high court in Abuja.
The NBC had on Thursday announced the suspension of the licence of Daar Communications, until further notice.
Director-General of NBC, Modibbo Kawu, who made the announcement, said the action was as a result of Daar Communications’ alleged continued breach of broadcasting code.
However, the broadcast firm had filed an exparte application seeking the court’s order to put aside the action of the NBC.
In reaction to the application, Justice Inyang Ekwo yesterday, ordered parties in the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum as at May 30, 2019, pending the hearing and determination of Daar Communications Plc’s suit challenging the closure of its broadcast stations.
The Judge also ordered the NBC, the Attorney General of the Federation and Ministry of Information and Culture to appear before him on June 13, over the shutdown and suspension of the broadcast licence of Daar Communications Plc.
Justice Ekwo, in his ruling on the exparte application filed and argued by Benson Igbanoi of Chief Mike Ozekhome’s chamber, granted the alternative prayer of the applicant, while he held that prayers one and two cannot be granted without first hearing from other parties.
“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,” Justice Inyang stated, even as he ordered the defendants to appear before him on June 13, 2019 to show cause why they should not be stopped from interfering with the operations of Daar Communication Plc.
The plaintiff, represented by its founder, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, in the exparte motion prayed the court to order the maintenance of status quo ante bellum as at May 30, this year, pending the hearing and determination of its suit challenging the closure of the broadcast stations.
The compqany 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 plaintiff prayed the court to restrain the defendants from invading or closing down the premises of Daar Communication, its operations or broadcast services, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed along with this application.
On the other hand, the plaintiff prayed for an order for maintenance of status quo ante bellum, as at May 30, 2019, pending the hearing and final determination of the Motion on Notice filed along with the exparte application.