The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse his decision to shut down Badeggi FM, a privately-owned radio station in Minna.
In an open letter, SERAP described the governor’s directive as “unlawful and arbitrary,” demanding the immediate reinstatement of the station’s license and the withdrawal of threats to demolish its premises.
The controversy began last Friday when Bago reportedly ordered the state Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal Badeggi FM.
READ ALSO: SERAP gives Niger gov 48-hour ultimatum to reverse radio station shutdown
He also directed the revocation of the station’s license and the profiling of its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, accusing the station of “inciting violence” and engaging in “unethical” broadcasts against the government.
The directive was reportedly issued during an APC stakeholders’ meeting at the government house in Minna.
In a letter dated August 2, 2025, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the allegations against the station are “vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated” and appear to be a tactic to silence the station and its owner.
The organisation argued that the governor’s actions are a “fundamental breach” of his constitutional oath of office and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations, particularly the right to freedom of expression and media freedom.
SERAP’s letter warned that silencing Badeggi FM would have a “chilling effect” on the media across the country and could discourage press participation in public discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group stressed that the power to regulate and sanction broadcast stations lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), not with a state governor.
READ ALSO: 2027: SERAP demands review of INEC REC nominations
The organisation further urged Bago to end his attacks against the station’s owner and staff, publicly guarantee their right to personal security, and refrain from using the NBC or law enforcement to further crack down on the media outlet.
SERAP vowed to take “all appropriate legal actions” if its demands are not met within the 48-hour timeframe, emphasising that a free and independent press is essential for a democratic society.
