THE International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned the closure of Badeggi FM in Niger State, and warned the state government of sanctions, which include being categorised as a repressor of press freedom in Nigeria.
IPI described the station radio closure as a blatant violation of press freedom and a worrying escalation in media repression under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, and signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the governor to reverse the closure or risk being listed in its “Book of Infamy”—a public registry of individuals accused of repressing media freedom in Nigeria.
The ICIR had earlier reported that Governor Bago ordered the shutdown of Badegi FM during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Minna on August 1. The directive was allegedly triggered by the station’s broadcast of critical commentary about the state government.
The station, a privately owned outlet, was reportedly sealed by officials of the Niger State Urban Development Board shortly after the governor’s pronouncement. Media advocates, journalists, and civil society organisations swiftly condemned the action, warning that it marked a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the state.
IPI Nigeria described the governor’s decision as another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom by the current administration, and said the closure directly contradicts constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of the press.
“If Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago fails to unconditionally reverse this illegal suspension within the next 48 hours, IPI Nigeria will be left with no choice but to include his name in our Book of Infamy,” the statement read.
The Book of Infamy was launched in April 2022 and is updated regularly with names shared with international embassies, media rights bodies, and human rights organisations.
The institute also cited a pattern of repression against journalists in Niger State, including the January 2025 detention of Peoples Daily correspondent Yakubu Mustapha and the alleged assault on Voice of America reporter Mustapha Nasiru Batsari by a commissioner in the state government in November 2023.
“These incidents point to a sustained attempt to intimidate and silence independent journalism.We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable—one way or another,” the group said.
The group also emphasised the importance of media pluralism and the public’s right to access diverse sources of information.
“Governor Bago’s administration must uphold the inalienable rights of the people of Niger State, including their rights to free expression, access to information, and freedom of the press,” the statement read in part.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org