by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
A directive by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to shut down Badeggi FM Radio in Minna has sparked widespread backlash, drawing criticism from civil society groups, journalists, and human rights organizations.
Governor Bago issued the order during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus held at the Government House, Minna. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor accused the station of inciting the public against the government and promoting violence.
The governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brig. Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), to seal the station, revoke its license, and profile its owner.
Station Reacts: “Use Proper Channels”
In response, Badeggi FM’s Director of Operations, Abubakar Shuaib, urged the governor to follow due process. He emphasized that complaints against the station should be filed with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the regulatory body that monitors content and enforces broadcasting standards.
“Our programmes are monitored daily by the NBC. If there are concerns, the governor should formally approach the commission for investigation,” Shuaib stated. “We are committed to responsible journalism and holding leaders accountable—not inciting unrest.”
History of Media Crackdowns in Niger State
This is not the first time media practitioners in Niger State have come under fire. In November 2023, VOA reporter Mustapha Nasiru Batsari accused Brig. Gen. Bello Mohammed of assault and an attempted seizure of his recording device after seeking comment on a violent clash in Bosso LGA.
Similarly, in January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha Bina, correspondent for People’s Daily and NUJ state chapel chairman, was detained for hours by the DSS and police over a report on banditry and a shared article critical of a government media aide. His phones were seized, and a criminal complaint was filed against him.
Condemnations from Amnesty International, CSOs, and Citizens
Amnesty International and local civil society organizations have condemned the governor’s action as an assault on press freedom.
“Targeting independent media denies citizens access to fair and objective information,” Amnesty said in a statement. “Governor Bago’s order reflects abuse of power and an alarming intolerance for dissent. Under Nigerian law, he lacks the authority to unilaterally shut down a radio station.”
The group also criticized the move as a deflection from the state’s security failures, noting that rural communities continue to suffer attacks from bandits and insurgents.
Muhammad Alfa Muhammad of Accountability Ambassadors echoed these concerns, warning that the action undermines Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the press.
“The shutdown, without recourse to the NBC, is a dangerous precedent,” he said. “Profiling a citizen simply for owning a critical media outlet is a blatant act of intimidation.”
Yahaya Adam Idrees, a known associate of the governor, also called for a reevaluation of the directive on his Facebook page, citing both constitutional and international protections for freedom of speech.
Calls for Reversal
Amid mounting criticism, civil society groups and media stakeholders continue to demand that Governor Bago reverse his decision and allow due process through proper regulatory channels. Many view the incident as a critical test of the government’s tolerance for free expression and press accountability.