iDeemlawfulChannels Television has faced widespread backlash over its reporting of the suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, with many Nigerians accusing the broadcaster of deliberately framing its headline in a way that could inflame religious tensions and drive online engagement.
On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, a suspected suicide bomber struck the Al-Adum Juma’at mosque within Gomboru market in Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers, killing five worshippers and injuring 35 others.
Some of the victims were rushed to the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, while others were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The controversy erupted after Channels TV edited an earlier report on the incident to include the phrase “on Christmas Eve,” a decision critics described as unnecessary and potentially dangerous in a country grappling with deep-seated religious and ethnic sensitivities.
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Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad was among the first to condemn the move, accusing the station of deliberate manipulation.
“Initially, they posted the news without mentioning Christmas. After a few minutes, when they realised the post was not generating the reactions they anticipated, they went back to edit it to include ‘On Christmas Eve,’” Ahmad said.
“This is just irresponsible and speaks to a troubling lack of editorial restraint and professionalism in journalism in this country.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by others online. Al’ameen Yabo, posting on X, contrasted Nigerian media practices with those of international outlets.
“Even the western media didn’t use this calamity to rage-bait people with their headlines,” he wrote.
“After terrorists, Nigerian media houses are the biggest problem of this country. They divide and spread hate with unprofessional reporting.”
The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Lagos State Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, also criticised the edit, emphasising that the victims were Muslims observing evening prayers, not participating in Christmas activities.
“The victims of this blast — all Muslims — were not praying in preparation for Christmas,” he said.
“But Channels TV displayed a high level of journalistic irresponsibility by slanting the headline to amplify the dangerous propaganda of ‘Christian genocide.’”
Another social media user, @to37867_toyyib, warned that such reporting goes beyond poor judgment and could worsen divisions within the country.
“When headlines misrepresent events, they don’t just misinform; they can fuel polarization and erode trust,” the user wrote, calling for accountability and ethical journalism.
Others linked the backlash to broader concerns about media bias and its impact on national cohesion.
@AM_Saleeeem argued that sensational framing often reinforces harmful regional and religious stereotypes.
“This media bias is dangerous. We must resist propaganda and demand fairness,” he said, adding that the issue transcends religion and touches on justice and unity.
However, some commentators defended Channels TV, insisting that the media should not be blamed for Nigeria’s security challenges.
@dmsevoac said the station clearly stated that the attack occurred at a mosque during evening prayers and urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the human tragedy.
“Regardless, people are dead; they were just praying,” the user said.
The episode has reignited debates around media ethics, headline framing and the responsibility of journalists when reporting sensitive security and religious matters in Nigeria, against the backdrop of a global debate over claims of genocide against Nigerian Christians.
Some lawmakers in the United States, backed by President Donald Trump, have alleged that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria for their faith.
Despite denials by Nigerian officials, Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), accompanied by threats of military action to halt the alleged killings.
A US congressional delegation recently visited Nigeria to probe reports of attacks on Christians, with a focus on the Middle Belt region.
Trump has yet to outline any next steps following the delegation’s visit.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, unity, stability and religious freedom, assuring Nigerians that protecting lives and property remains a priority.
In his Christmas message, the President said his government has remained steadfast in safeguarding the nation since assuming office in 2023.
“Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation,” Tinubu said.