The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, demanding the immediate reversal of the shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station based in Minna, the state capital.
In an open letter dated August 2, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP condemned the closure as “arbitrary and unlawful,” calling on the governor to reinstate the station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish the station’s premises, and end what it described as the profiling of the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
“Allegations of ‘inciting violence’ made against Badeggi FM appear vague, unsubstantiated, and intended to silence both the station and its proprietor,” the organisation stated in the letter.
Governor Bago had, last Friday, reportedly directed the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal off the radio station, revoke its licence, and demolish its building. He also allegedly ordered security agencies to begin profiling the owner, citing claims that the station’s broadcasts were unethical and incited the public against the government.
SERAP warned that such actions threaten media independence and democratic engagement, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The clampdown on Badeggi FM could discourage free press participation in debates on governance and public interest,” the group warned. “By curtailing the operations of Badeggi FM, the government has severely restricted citizens’ rights to be informed and the station’s ability to contribute meaningfully to democratic discourse.”
The organisation described the governor’s directives as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties such as Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protect freedom of expression and the press.
“Closing down a media outlet, revoking its licence without due process, threatening demolition, and profiling its owner are all contrary to constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s global human rights commitments,” the letter read.
SERAP further urged the governor to stop what it termed “intimidation” of the station’s staff, insisting that their rights to liberty and personal security be respected.
“Targeting journalists and media workers in this manner hinders democratic development and silences dissenting voices critical for accountability,” the organisation said. “The media in Niger State must operate in an environment free from fear and retaliation.”
It accused the state government of weaponising law enforcement and regulatory bodies to clamp down on dissent, adding, “Your actions are an affront to the people’s right to access and share information freely.”
Should the governor fail to act within 48 hours of receiving or the publication of the letter, SERAP vowed to pursue legal avenues to ensure compliance.
“We will not hesitate to initiate appropriate legal proceedings to hold you accountable if these unlawful actions are not reversed,” the letter concluded.
SERAP also emphasized the centrality of press freedom in democratic societies: “Press freedom is not just about the rights of individual journalists but about safeguarding the public’s right to be informed in matters of public concern.”