In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group described the governor’s actions as “arbitrary, unlawful, and a blatant violation of constitutional and international human rights obligations.” SERAP called for the immediate reinstatement of the station’s licence, withdrawal of threats to demolish its premises, and an end to what it described as a growing crackdown on press freedom in the state.
Governor Bago had on Friday ordered the immediate closure of Badeggi FM, citing “unethical practices” and alleged incitement of the public through its broadcasts. He further instructed the revocation of the station’s operating licence and directed the profiling of its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, through the Ministry of Homeland Security.
SERAP, however, strongly rejected the governor’s justification, stating: “Silencing critical or dissenting voices under the pretext of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns is a violation of your constitutional oath and Nigeria’s obligations under international law.”
The group also urged the governor to provide immediate public assurances of safety and protection for the station’s owner and staff. It warned that failure to comply with the demands within 48 hours would result in legal action.
“The shutdown, threats of demolition, and attempts to criminalise the station’s operations have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and media independence not just in Niger State, but across Nigeria,” SERAP noted. “Your directive is neither lawful nor necessary and does not protect any legitimate public interest.”
The organisation cautioned that actions like this could discourage media engagement in critical public discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections. It emphasised that the Constitution and international treaties protect the press as a means to ensure public access to information, not merely to serve journalists.
Joining the chorus of criticism, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the governor’s move. NBA President, Afam Osigwe, described the shutdown as “executive rascality of the highest order,” asserting that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to revoke broadcast licences.
Osigwe called on law enforcement agencies to disregard unlawful orders and reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to defending press freedom and the rule of law.
The fate of Badeggi FM now hangs in the balance as civil society groups, legal experts, and the public await Governor Bago’s response to growing calls for media freedom and constitutional accountability.
