The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to reverse what it calls the “arbitrary and unlawful” shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station based in Minna, the state capital.
In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation demanded the immediate reinstatement of the station’s operating licence, a halt to alleged threats to demolish its premises, and an end to the profiling of the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
“Your vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘inciting violence’ against Badeggi FM and its owner appear to be aimed at silencing the station and intimidating its proprietor,” the letter stated.
Governor Bago had, on Friday, directed the state Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the radio station, revoke its licence, and initiate the demolition of its building. He also allegedly ordered that the station’s owner be profiled over claims that Badeggi FM’s broadcasts were unethical and incited public sentiment against the state government.
SERAP strongly condemned the move, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to press freedom and democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The crackdown on Badeggi FM and its owner is capable of discouraging journalistic engagement in matters of legitimate public concern,” the organisation said.
“By arbitrarily restricting the station, your government has undermined the public’s right to be meaningfully informed, and hindered the station’s capacity to contribute to public discourse essential to a democratic society.”
Describing the shutdown as a “blatant violation” of Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, SERAP cited Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression.
“Shutting down the station, revoking its licence without due process, threatening to demolish its facilities, and profiling its owner are all contrary to both the Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the country’s binding commitments under international law,” the letter added.
The organisation further urged Governor Bago to cease the alleged harassment and intimidation of Badeggi FM staff, and to respect their rights to liberty, security, and free expression.
“Your administration’s actions constitute a serious impediment to the development of democracy, as they suppress free debate and dissenting voices,” SERAP warned.
“Media outlets in Niger State must be able to operate freely and report on issues of public interest without fear of retaliation or repression.”
SERAP also accused the governor of weaponising regulatory bodies and security agencies to clamp down on dissent, arguing that the directive to revoke the station’s licence and demolish its premises represents a broader attack on the public’s right to access information and participate in governance.
“Your actions not only silence critical voices but also assault Nigerians’ right to seek, receive, and impart information of all kinds,” the group said.
Concluding the letter, SERAP warned that failure to act within 48 hours of receipt and/or publication of the letter would result in legal action: “If we have not heard from you within the stipulated time, SERAP will take all appropriate legal steps to compel your government to act in the public interest.”
The organisation reiterated the essential role of a free press in a democratic society:
“The Constitution and international human rights treaties protect the press not just for the benefit of journalists, but to ensure the public’s right to information and to hold power to account.”
