The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to immediately reverse the shutdown and licence revocation of Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station in Minna, describing the action as arbitrary, unlawful, and a violation of constitutional rights.
In an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged Governor Bago to reinstate the station’s broadcast licence, withdraw the threat of demolishing the station’s premises, and halt all forms of persecution against the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, and its staff.
Governor Bago had, on Friday, ordered the sealing of Badeggi FM, revoked its licence, profiled its owner, and threatened to demolish the station’s building, reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with the station’s editorial stance.
The directive was said to have been issued during a meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the Government House in Minna.
Reacting, SERAP described the shutdown as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom and freedom of expression in the state.
The group condemned what it termed “vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations” of inciting violence, warning that such moves amount to intimidation of independent media voices and a breach of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights obligations.
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“Silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague national security concerns is a fundamental breach of your constitutional oath of office,” the letter stated. “Shutting down the station, arbitrarily revoking its licence, and threatening to demolish its premises are all antithetical to democracy.”
SERAP further warned that these actions could have a chilling effect on other media outlets, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections, by discouraging the press from engaging in public-interest reporting or political discourse.
The group emphasized that any restriction on media operations must be legally grounded, necessary, and proportionate, and not politically motivated. It also condemned the alleged use of law enforcement agencies and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to target independent outlets like Badeggi FM.
“The directive to revoke the licence of the station, shut it down, and demolish its premises is an affront to Nigerians’ right to seek and receive information and to participate in democratic governance,” SERAP said.
The organisation gave the governor 48 hours to comply with its demands or face legal action in the public interest.
SERAP concluded by urging Governor Bago to publicly guarantee the safety, liberty, and constitutional rights of Badeggi FM journalists and staff, warning that further suppression of media freedom would undermine democratic values and public trust in the government.