The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), challenging what they describe as “ongoing intimidation” and threats to shut down Badeggi FM Radio, Minna.
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, accused the NBC of failing to defend the local station amid the governor’s actions. The Telegraph had earlier reported that Governor Bago ordered the closure and license revocation of Badeggi Radio 90.1 FM over alleged public incitement.
In suit number FHC/L/CS/1587/2025, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP and NGE seek judicial clarification on whether the NBC, under Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act, has a legal duty to protect Badeggi FM from the governor’s intimidation.
The groups are also asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Governor Bago and the NBC from further harassment, intimidation, threats to shut down the station, license revocation, or profiling of the station’s owner.
“The ongoing intimidation and threats by Governor Bago to revoke Badeggi FM’s license, demolish its premises, and target its owner are unlawful violations of freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom,” the groups argued.
They dismissed the allegations of incitement as “vague, unfounded, and unsubstantiated,” describing them as attempts to silence the radio station.
The lawsuit, filed by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Andrew Nwankwo on behalf of SERAP and NGE, emphasized the crucial role of the media in a democratic society. It condemned the use of vague national security concerns to intimidate and silence dissenting voices as a breach of Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.
“The harassment of Badeggi FM and its owner risks discouraging media participation in public debates ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the suit noted.
SERAP and NGE’s demands include declarations that the NBC is legally obligated to protect Badeggi FM and other broadcasters from unauthorized interference; that the NBC’s failure to defend the station breaches its statutory duty to ensure independent broadcasting; and that Governor Bago’s threats violate media freedoms and overstep the NBC’s statutory powers.
They further seek a court order preventing the governor, NBC, and their agents from harassing or threatening Badeggi FM or any other broadcasters in Niger State.
No hearing date has yet been scheduled for the case.
