SERAP, NGE sue Niger Governor, NBC over alleged intimidation of Badeggi FM

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have jointly filed a lawsuit against Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over alleged threats, harassment, and plans to shut down Badeggi FM Radio in Minna.

In suit number FHC/L/CS/1587/2025, lodged last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the two organisations accused Governor Bago of weaponizing state power, NBC regulations, and law enforcement agencies to silence the station and its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.

They claim the governor threatened to revoke Badeggi FM’s licence, demolish its premises, and profile its proprietor over broadcasts he allegedly found unfavourable.

According to the plaintiffs, the threats were accompanied by allegations that the station promotes violence — accusations they described as “vague, unfounded, and unsubstantiated.”

SERAP and NGE maintain that such actions undermine press freedom, freedom of expression, and public access to information guaranteed under Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act.

In the suit, filed through lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Andrew Nwankwo, the organisations argued that the NBC has a legal duty to safeguard broadcasting outlets from political interference and intimidation.

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They contend that the regulator’s failure to shield Badeggi FM from alleged executive overreach constitutes a breach of its statutory obligations.

The plaintiffs warned that without judicial intervention, the governor may persist in using regulatory powers to suppress dissenting media voices, especially in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

They also noted that such harassment could discourage public debate on governance issues and weaken democratic processes in Niger State and beyond.

SERAP and NGE are seeking multiple declarations, including:

NBC is legally bound to protect Badeggi FM and other broadcasters from unlawful interference.

That the governor’s threats to revoke the station’s licence and demolish its premises violate constitutional and human rights provisions.

That such threats encroach on NBC’s statutory mandate under the National Broadcasting Commission Act.

They are also asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the governor, NBC, and their agents from harassing or intimidating the station, its owner, or staff members.

The suit emphasises the role of the press as a public watchdog and the need for media houses to operate without fear of reprisal.

The plaintiffs stressed that restricting press freedom on the grounds of loosely defined “national security” concerns violates Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and could set a dangerous precedent for media independence nationwide.

Governor Bago has not publicly responded to the lawsuit, and NBC has yet to issue a statement. No hearing date has been fixed.