August 03, (THEWILL) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Governor Umar Bago of Niger State 48 hours to reverse the “arbitrary and unlawful” shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio Station, or face legal action.
SERAP, in an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, asked the governor to reinstate the station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish its premises, and halt what it described as a growing crackdown on freedom of expression and press freedom in the state.
The organisation was reacting to Bago’s directive last Friday, in which he ordered the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the privately-owned Badeggi FM 90.1 in Minna. He also revoked the station’s licence, threatened demolition of the premises, and called for the profiling of the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, allegedly over broadcasts deemed offensive by the state government.
SERAP criticised the move, describing it as an unjustified assault on press freedom and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. It noted that allegations of “inciting violence” against the station were vague, unsubstantiated, and designed to intimidate critics.
“Shutting down the station, revoking its licence, threatening demolition, and profiling its owner all violate the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards,” SERAP stated.
The organisation warned that failure to reverse the decision within 48 hours would prompt legal action to compel compliance in the public interest.
“The crackdown on Badeggi FM is capable of discouraging the press from participating in debates on issues of legitimate public concern ahead of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP said.
It added that the station’s closure threatens citizens’ right to be informed and undermines democratic discourse.
“Any restriction on press freedom must be lawful, necessary, and in pursuit of a legitimate public interest. Your actions meet none of these requirements,” the letter read.
SERAP further accused the Niger State government of weaponising state institutions like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and security agencies to intimidate media professionals and stifle free speech.
“Your government has not demonstrated how the operations of Badeggi FM threaten national security or public order. Invoking security concerns to silence the media is a blatant abuse of power,” SERAP said.
It also noted that the governor reportedly issued the directive during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at the government house in Minna.
“Media outlets must be free to debate public interest matters without fear of reprisal,” the letter added.
SERAP called on the governor to publicly guarantee the safety and liberty of Badeggi FM staff and to respect their constitutional rights.
It concluded, “The press is not protected merely for the sake of journalists, but to ensure the public’s access to diverse and critical information that strengthens democracy.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
