Gov Bago Orders Closure of Badeggi FM, over alleged inciting violence, others

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station in Minna, citing alleged incitement to violence and unethical broadcasting practices. The directive, however, has triggered widespread condemnation from media rights groups and civil society organizations.

The governor announced the decision during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus held at the Government House in Minna. According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago accused the station’s owner of using the platform to incite public unrest and undermine government authority.

He further directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the station and commence profiling of its owner, insisting the radio station’s license be revoked due to its alleged promotion of violence.

“The daily operations of the radio station have been unethical,” the governor was quoted as saying. “The owner has incited the people against the government. The license of the station must be revoked.”

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from both national and international rights bodies.

In a swift response, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the governor’s action, describing it as “lawless, repressive, and an abuse of power.” Sanusi stressed that under Nigerian law, a state governor does not have the authority to shut down a media outlet or revoke its license.

“Accusing Badeggi FM of incitement without due process is an unacceptable abuse of power,” Sanusi said. “Governor Bago’s order reflects a dangerous intolerance for independent voices and a serious attack on press freedom.”

Similarly, Zubair A. Idris, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Wadata Media and Advocacy Center (WAMAC), criticized the shutdown, calling it a blatant attempt to silence the press.

In a statement, WAMAC said, “This harsh and punitive action appears to be a deliberate effort to gag the press from performing its constitutional role. The Nigerian Constitution, under Chapter Two, Section 22, mandates the media to hold the government accountable. It is disheartening that a democratically elected government would attempt to undermine this responsibility under the guise of maintaining public order.”

The organization aligned with Amnesty International, the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), and the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) in calling for the immediate reversal of the closure order.

WAMAC also urged the state government to publicly address and respond to any allegations aired during Badeggi FM’s programming through the appropriate legal channels, such as the right of reply.

Critics of the governor’s action argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for media freedom in Nigeria and undermines constitutional safeguards designed to protect journalistic work. They warned that silencing the press may hinder democratic accountability and deny citizens access to balanced and objective reporting.

As of press time, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is the statutory body authorized to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria, has not issued an official response.