SERAP Gives Niger Govt 48 Hours To Reverse Badeggi FM Shutdown

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given Governor Umar Bago of Niger State 48 hours to reverse what it described as the “arbitrary and unlawful” shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station in Minna, the state capital.

In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked the governor to reinstate the station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish its premises, and stop profiling its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.

“Your vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘inciting violence’ against Badeggi FM and its owner are apparently made to silence the radio station and its owner,” SERAP said in the letter.

Recall, Bago, last Friday, ordered the state Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal Badeggi FM, revoke its licence, and demolish the building.

He also allegedly directed the profiling of the station’s owner over accusations that the station’s daily broadcasts were unethical and incited the public against the government.

SERAP warned that such action could seriously undermine press freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It said, “The crackdown on Badeggi FM and its owner is capable of discouraging participation of the press in debates over matters of legitimate public concern.