Amnesty International has strongly criticised the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, over his directive to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM, a privately owned radio station based in Minna, describing the move as a blatant misuse of power and a threat to press freedom.
The governor had reportedly accused the station of “inciting violence” and ordered the revocation of its broadcasting licence — a decision the human rights group has called unlawful and unjustified.
In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, condemned the closure, asserting that the action reflects a troubling pattern of intolerance towards dissenting voices in Nigeria.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna — an independent source of news for the people of Niger State,” Sanusi said.
“The governor’s allegation against the radio station of ‘inciting violence’ and his directive to revoke its licence is a clear abuse of power and reflects unacceptable intolerance of media freedom,” he added.
Sanusi further noted that while communities in Niger State are being terrorised by armed groups and suffering mass displacement, the government is prioritising media crackdowns instead of providing security and relief.
“At a time when bandits and insurgents are ravaging Niger State, the state government should focus on protecting lives, not silencing the media. Choosing to bizarrely blame a radio station for its inexcusable security failures is an open attack on the press,” he stated.
Amnesty International also clarified that under Nigerian law, a state governor has no authority to revoke a media outlet’s licence or shut down a broadcast station. Sanusi called on Governor Bago to immediately reverse the order.
“Governor Bago must withdraw his unlawful directive. Targeting Badeggi FM is part of a wider effort to create fear in newsrooms and undermine the ability of journalists to hold the government accountable,” he said.
The organisation urged authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure journalists can operate without intimidation or political interference.
Sanusi concluded, “Attacking independent media deprives the public of access to fair and objective information, which is vital for a functioning democracy.”