AREWA24 Vindicated: Court Rules Against NBMOA’s Speculative Claims, “You Can’t Litigate on Assumption”
The Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) against AREWA24, ruling that the case lacked jurisdiction and merit.
According to the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment, the court affirmed that AREWA24 operates within the bounds of the law and is not required to obtain any additional licenses beyond those it already possesses. The court stated that the station had not violated any statutory provisions.
In a scathing assessment of the case, the court described the claims by the plaintiff, NBMOA—led by its board chairman, Dr. Tijjani Ramalan—as speculative and unsubstantiated.
“The plaintiff’s case was riddled with speculations and bare assertions without any concrete proof,” the judgment read.
Ramalan, who is also the proprietor of Liberty TV a direct competitor of AREWA24 had alleged that AREWA24 was engaged in monopolistic practices and trademark infringement. However, the court found no evidence to support either claim.
On the monopoly claim, the court ruled that no proof was provided to demonstrate that AREWA24 held a dominant or unfair position in the broadcasting market.
“The court does not rely on speculation, neither can it make the plaintiff’s case for it,” the ruling stated.
Regarding the alleged misuse of the “Arewa Knot” design, the court found that the AREWA24 logo was a distinct and legally registered trademark, and no infringement had occurred.
Reacting to the judgment, Celestine Umeibe, Chief Executive Officer of AREWA24, described the ruling as a landmark moment for the company.
“This judgment reaffirms AREWA24’s legal standing, its professional integrity, and our unwavering commitment to providing premium Northern Nigerian content to our viewers daily,” he said.
Umeibe noted that the station remains a leader in promoting Northern Nigerian life, culture, arts, and the Hausa language on a global scale.
He also highlighted AREWA24’s recent programming milestones, including the launch of its first English-language drama series, Jos Chronicles, and a new season of its flagship show, Dadin Kowa.
Looking ahead, Umeibe announced the station’s upcoming drama series, Zabi Biyu, scheduled for release in the next 10 days.
“This new Hausa-language series explores life’s dilemmas and difficult decisions faced by young people in Northern Nigeria. We believe Zabi Biyu will be a game changer for the industry, elevate audience ratings, and open more advertising opportunities,” he said.
