The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Umar Bago of Niger State to reverse the shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station operating in Minna, the state capital.
In a public letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the civil society group described the closure of Badeggi FM as “arbitrary, unlawful, and unconstitutional.” SERAP is also demanding the reversal of the station’s licence revocation, withdrawal of demolition threats, and an end to the alleged harassment of the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
The controversy began when Governor Bago ordered the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal Badeggi FM, revoke its broadcasting licence, and demolish its building. The governor further directed security agencies to profile the owner, alleging the station had aired “unethical” content and incited the public against his administration.
However, SERAP countered those allegations, describing them as “vague, unfounded and apparently designed to silence dissent.”
“Your actions undermine the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and press freedom,” the group stated. “They are clearly intended to intimidate and harass an independent media outlet that provides a platform for civic engagement and public accountability.”
SERAP warned that such suppression of the media could have a chilling effect on journalism and civic participation, especially in the run-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
“By targeting Badeggi FM and its owner, your administration is discouraging meaningful public debate on governance, thereby weakening democracy itself,” the letter said.
The organisation cited Section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which protect the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
SERAP has made it clear that if the demands are not met within 48 hours, it will take “all appropriate legal actions” to ensure compliance. Legal experts suggest this may include filing a case in the Federal High Court or petitioning international human rights bodies.
“This case has the potential to set a landmark precedent for press freedom in Nigeria,” said Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Amaka Onwumere, speaking to our correspondent. “If left unchecked, it signals that any state executive can weaponize regulatory authorities to shut down criticism.”
Several other civil society organisations have joined the chorus of condemnation. Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have both called for the immediate reopening of Badeggi FM.
Social media platforms have also been flooded with hashtags like #JusticeForBadeggiFM and #PressFreedomNow, with citizens demanding transparency and accountability from the Niger State government.
Nigeria has witnessed a growing number of cases where journalists and media houses face intimidation, censorship, and arbitrary shutdowns. According to Reporters Without Borders, Nigeria dropped three places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, a reflection of increasing hostilities toward the media.
“Today it’s Badeggi FM. Tomorrow it could be any media platform that dares to ask questions,” said Tunde Akinyemi, an Abuja-based journalist. “What’s at stake here is the public’s right to know.”
SERAP concluded its letter by reaffirming the media’s indispensable role in any democratic society.
“The Nigerian Constitution and international treaties protect the press not for the sake of journalists alone, but to ensure that the public can access diverse viewpoints and hold power to account,” the organisation said.
As the clock ticks down on SERAP’s ultimatum, all eyes are now on Governor Umar Bago to see whether he will uphold the constitution or double down on what rights advocates are calling an egregious abuse of power.
