By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1 in Minna by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, calling it an arbitrary act that violates constitutional rights and threatens press freedom.
In an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Governor Bago to “immediately reverse the unlawful revocation” of the station’s licence, cease threats to demolish its premises, and stop what it called a broader crackdown on freedom of expression in the state.
Governor Bago reportedly ordered the closure of the privately-owned radio station on Friday, August 1, during an APC stakeholders’ meeting. He directed state police and homeland security authorities to seal the station, revoke its licence, and profile its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, over alleged “incitement” and “unethical activities.”
SERAP dismissed these accusations as vague and unsubstantiated, warning that using national security concerns to silence dissenting voices violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties. “Your actions are a fundamental breach of your constitutional oath of office,” the letter stated.
The organisation warned that such crackdowns have a chilling effect on press freedom, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. It emphasized that the press must be free to engage in public discourse without fear of reprisals.
SERAP demanded that Governor Bago publicly guarantee the safety and liberty of Badeggi FM staff and ensure media outlets in Niger State operate freely. It gave the governor 48 hours to comply, or face legal action.
“This move undermines democracy, discourages open debate, and denies the public access to vital information,” SERAP added, calling the closure a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s media landscape.
