Abuja targets 'opposition' radio and television stations

Nigeria's broadcasting authority has shut down private radio and television stations owned by a key opposition figure who said his media operations were being targeted in a crackdown. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) confirmed that it suspended the licence of Daar Communications Plc, owner of the African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM for breach of broadcast codes. A report on the News24 site notes that NBC said in a statement it summoned the management of the stations to address alleged bias in their broadcasts and for failing to meet financial obligations to the regulatory authority. 'The shut-down order is until further notice,' it said. The two stations are owned by a business tycoon Raymond Dokpesi, who is also a key member of opposition Peoples Democratic Party. Reporters Without Borders places Nigeria 119th out of 180 on its World Press Freedom Index.