Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Governor Umar Bago of Niger State a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the decision to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station located in Minna, the state capital.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated August 2, signed by its Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare. The organisation described the governor's directive as arbitrary and unlawful, urging immediate reinstatement of the station’s licence and withdrawal of the alleged threat to demolish the premises.
The group also called for the protection of the station’s owner, Mr. Shuaibu Badeggi, and staff members, citing rising concerns over media repression. It warned that the government's actions risk violating Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and international obligations on press freedom and human rights.
Gov. Bago had, on August 1, ordered the immediate closure of Badeggi FM, citing unethical journalism, incitement, and opposition to his administration’s New Niger Development Agenda.
He directed the state’s Commissioner of Homeland Security to profile the owner and also threatened demolition of the station’s facility.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) described the action as executive rascality, stating that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the authority to revoke a broadcast licence.
NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe, urged security agencies to disregard unlawful orders that undermine constitutional rights.
SERAP warned that failure to comply within the specified timeframe would prompt legal action to uphold the public’s right to access information and protect media freedom in the state.
