Kemi Olunloyo tackles DStv, demands removal of NTA from channel 419

Kemi Olunloyo

Self-styled investigative journalist Kemi Olunloyo has asked DStv to remove national broadcaster NTA News 24 from channel 419.

The numbers 419 is a colloquial term for fraud in Nigeria.

Tweeting early Monday, Ms Olunloyo accused DStv of being disrespectful despite the efforts of the Nigerian government to end apartheid in South Africa.

DStv is a South African-based cable network which has expanded its influence in the African space with GOtv.

“Dear @dstv U ARE SO DISRESPECTFUL. I am demanding you take our national broadcaster @NTANewsNow off Channel 419,” Olunloyo wrote.

“Upon how we helped u end apartheid, OBJ and Shagari spending over $10M, you killed my ppl during Xenophobia and now tagged us to that FRAUD number? Ch 419 must GO.”

DStv has received backlash from the Nigerian government in recent times, with its exclusive rights to English Premier League contents being a source of worry for the government.

Nigerians occasionally knock the broadcaster on social media when a particular European league, the UEFA Euoropa League for instance, is not shown live on any of DStv’s sports channels.

Multichoice Group, owners of DStv, is one of several successful establishments like Shoprite, Pep and Mr Price with South African origin operating in Nigeria. Shoprite, however, is now looking to divest and have a Nigerian owner.