Nigerian hip-hop icon and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has alleged that he turned down a ₦200 million bribe offered by an unidentified caller claiming to be a senator. The offer, he says, was tied to his viral protest song “Tell Your Papa”, which was recently banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
In a video circulating on social media, Abdulkareem recounted the suspicious call, which he described as a covert attempt to undermine his activism and credibility.
Eedris Abdulkareem’s Bold Revelation
“I got a call from someone who claimed to be a ‘honourable’, and later a senator. He said they had a meeting with Seyi, the President’s son, and other government officials. He told me not to accept bribes from others, that they would sponsor me underground,” Abdulkareem stated.
He claimed the individual offered him ₦200 million in supposed support for his activism and the politically charged song. Abdulkareem said he rejected the offer immediately, questioning the source’s motives and slamming what he described as a manipulative scheme to silence his voice.
“The moment I heard his voice, I knew they sent him. I told him I wasn’t interested. They think they can buy me, but I’ve been prepared for them for a long time,” he added.
NBC Bans ‘Tell Your Papa’ – Backlash Ensues
On April 10, 2025, the NBC officially banned ‘Tell Your Papa’, citing its critical tone toward political leadership and economic hardship in Nigeria. However, the ban has sparked nationwide backlash from civil rights groups and entertainment industry stakeholders.
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) criticized the move, warning that it could backfire and increase the song’s influence.
“Censorship only amplifies its reach and relevance in these trying times,” PMAN stated.
Similarly, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) condemned the NBC’s action as a misuse of regulatory power, accusing the commission of acting like a propaganda tool for the government.
“NBC has abandoned its role as an independent media regulator,” said Ayomide Eweje, Programme Officer at MRA.
Protest Music and Freedom of Expression in Focus
Abdulkareem’s defiant stand has reignited discussions around freedom of expression, political censorship, and the role of music in social justice movements. As economic and political tensions rise, the controversy surrounding “Tell Your Papa” underscores the growing power of protest music in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
