A decision by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM radio station has sparked outrage across the state and beyond, with journalists, civil society groups, and residents accusing the governor of trying to silence free speech.
Governor Bago gave the order during an All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting held at the Government House in Minna. He directed the state Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to shut down the station, revoke its broadcasting licence, and “profile” its owner.
According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the action was taken because the station was allegedly inciting the public against the government.
“The governor emphasised that the station promotes violence,” Ibrahim said.
But the management of Badeggi FM has rejected the allegations, calling the governor’s action unlawful. The station’s Director of Operations, Abubakar Shuaib, said the governor should have followed the proper legal procedure.
“The right thing to do is to write to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for investigation. NBC monitors our content every day. We are only doing our job of holding leaders accountable. We have nothing against the government,” Shuaib said.
Journalists Under Attack
This is not the first time media professionals in Niger State have faced pressure. In 2023, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD), allegedly assaulted a Voice of America reporter, Mustapha Batsari, at the Government House for asking about a deadly clash between farmers in Bosso.
In another case, in January 2025, the police detained Yakubu Mustapha Bina, a reporter with People’s Daily, for hours after he shared an article critical of a government adviser. His phones were also seized for three days.
Also Read:
- Controversy Trails Fast Promotion of IGP Egbetokun’s Alleged Mistress
- Yar’adua University Expels 57 Students for Exam Malpractice
Public Outcry
Amnesty International, civil society groups, and many residents have condemned the governor’s decision.
Amnesty described the order as “lawless and repressive.”
“This is an open attack on media freedom. Instead of addressing the real issue of insecurity in the state, the governor is blaming a radio station. That is a failure of leadership,” Amnesty said in a statement.
Muhammad Alfa Muhammad of the Accountability Ambassadors, a Minna-based civil group, also criticised the action, saying it violates the 1999 Constitution.
“Shutting down a media house without due process is dangerous and unconstitutional. Section 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press. If the station broke any rule, the NBC should handle it — not the governor,” he said.
A close ally of the governor, Yahaya Adam Idrees, also urged him to reconsider.
In a Facebook post, he said, “Restricting media freedom should not be encouraged. The Constitution protects the right to speak freely and access information.”
What Next?
As criticism grows, pressure is mounting on Governor Bago to reverse his decision and allow the NBC to review any complaints against Badeggi FM. Many Nigerians believe the media plays an important role in holding the government accountable and that silencing it sets a dangerous example.
“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to do our job and serve the people,” Badeggi FM said.