A Facebook user identified as Tunde Segun has claimed that the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has banned Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria. The ban, according to the claim, is attributed to the statement made by Minister Wike against Channels TV journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
“They Announced On Sunday the boycott of press briefings by the FCT until he retracts his threat to shoot Channels Television Journalist and tender public apology for the threat,” a part of the claim reads.
The claim has since gathered 19 likes, and sixteen comments as at April 8, 2026. The claim was also seen on some blogs (here and here) headlines.
IBAN is a national body representing private television and radio broadcasters across Nigeria, and work to champion the interests of independent broadcasters across Nigeria.
This claim began to spread after Minister Nyesom Wike’s comment against Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye during a media parley in Abuja on April 3, 2026. Wike criticised the statements Seun made on the Politics Today programme.
Seun expressed concerns over the country gradually tilting towards a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially with the de-recognition of the national executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Wike, reacting to these statements, said he would have shot Seun if there were a way to break the TV screen.
This resulted in a lot of controversy, with Amnesty International describing the remarks as reckless and violent, and demanded that they be withdrawn.
Within Nigeria decided to investigate this claim as it could amplify false narratives and influence the public opinion of citizens.
Verification
Within Nigeria checked to see if the claim was published on any major verified news platforms in Nigeria, and found no information about the claim.
We checked further and discovered that although IBAN made a statement about Wike’s remarks, the braodcast association did not issue an outright ban.
According toVanguard, IBAN in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Ahmed Ramalan, and Acting General Secretary, Fidelis Duker, expressed deep concern over Wike’s remarkes and issued a three-point demand to the FCT minister. 1) A clear and unambiguous retraction of the statement 2) A public apology to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, 3) A reaffirmation of commitment to non-violence and respect for press freedom, in line with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The braodcasting association said that if the FCT minister fails to meet these demands within a reasonable timeframe, “ it would advise all independent broadcast stations under its umbrella to suspend coverage of his press briefings, media chats, and official engagements.”
The statement by IBAN connotes that Minister Nyesom Wike has a reasonable timeframe to adhere to its demands or face a possible suspension from media briefing coverage, as opposed to claims that he has been banned.
Verdict
The claim that the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike has been banned from all press briefings is False.
