The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, demanding the immediate reversal of his administration’s decision to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1, Minna.
The organization urged the governor to reinstate the station’s license, withdraw the threat to demolish its premises, and end all forms of harassment against its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, and staff members.
In an open letter dated August 2, 2025, SERAP described the governor’s action as “unlawful and an attack on freedom of expression and media freedom in the state.” The group emphasized that silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of national security was a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
SERAP stated, “Your vague and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘inciting violence’ against Badeggi FM and its owner appear to be a veiled attempt to silence legitimate criticism. The shutdown of the station, revocation of its licence, profiling of its owner, and the threat to demolish its premises are all antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution and international obligations to uphold press freedom.”
The governor had reportedly given the directive during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held on August 1, 2025, at the Government House in Minna. He ordered the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the radio station, revoke its licence, and mark the building for demolition, claiming the station’s activities were unethical and incited the public against the government.
Reacting to the development, SERAP said, “Media outlets in Niger State must be free to enable debate on issues of public interest without fear of reprisals. Any restriction on freedom of expression must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate to a legitimate aim which your directive clearly fails to meet.”
The group accused the Bago administration of weaponizing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and law enforcement agencies to intimidate journalists and clamp down on independent media.
“Shutting down Badeggi FM is not just a local issue; it sends a dangerous signal to other states ahead of the 2027 general elections. It discourages civic engagement and erodes the democratic space,” SERAP warned.
Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), SERAP noted that freedom of expression and the press are protected rights that cannot be arbitrarily taken away.
“There is significant public interest in the capacity of the press, including Badeggi FM, to operate freely and act as a public watchdog. Journalists have a right to report even if their views or findings are not favourable to those in power,” the statement added.
SERAP concluded by calling on Governor Bago to respect his constitutional oath of office and ensure an environment where the media can carry out its duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or unlawful sanctions.
