NIGER State Governor, Umaru Bago, has come under heavy criticism for ordering the closure of the privately owned Badeggi Radio FM, a move widely condemned as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic principles.
The ICIR reported that the governor issued the order during an expanded All Progressive Congress (APC) caucus meeting at the Government House in Minna, accusing the station of inciting violence and stirring public unrest.
He instructed security forces to seal off the station, recommended the revocation of its broadcasting licence, and ordered that its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, be profiled.
Reports also indicate that the state government has marked the station’s building for demolition.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) denounced the action, stating that Governor Bago overstepped his constitutional authority.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 2, and jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said the arbitrary closure of media outlets is reminiscent of Nigeria’s military era and warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law.
“Governor Bago acted outside his powers; the power to sanction or revoke licences of broadcast stations lies solely with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), following due investigation, not by executive fiat,” the statement said.
Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGE reminded public officials that freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally protected.
“This action is censorship, plain and simple. The premises should be unsealed immediately while proper investigations proceed,” the statement added.
NGE further called for the immediate reopening of Badeggi Radio, stressing that a free and independent press is vital to any functioning democracy while urging that the station be allowed to resume operations, with any investigations carried out lawfully and transparently.
Commenting in a similar vein, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation also weighed in. In a statement issued on Saturday, August 2, by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Mohammed Idris emphasised that concerns about unethical broadcasting should be handled by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is the legally recognised regulatory body.
“The suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the NBC as stipulated by law,” the Minister said, urging all parties to remain calm and submit to due process. “NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve this issue fairly and impartially.”
Similarly, in a statement released on Saturday, August 2, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Afam Osigwe asserted that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds the legal mandate to regulate or shut down broadcast stations in the country.
He criticised Governor Bago’s actions as “executive rascality of the highest order,” describing them as a clear abuse of power that threatens constitutional democracy.
Osigwe further cautioned security agencies against enforcing illegal directives, stressing that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution upholds freedom of expression, including the right to establish and operate media organisations.
“The governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licenses or shut down any media establishment. Only the NBC has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting, subject to due process.
“We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts,” the statement said.
The NBA urged all tiers of government to respect the rule of law, operate within constitutional limits, and safeguard press freedom. It emphasised that a free and independent media is not merely a privilege but a constitutional right and a fundamental pillar of any democratic society.
The backlash over the closure of Badeggi Radio FM adds to a growing list of press freedom concerns previously highlighted by The ICIR and other civil society organisations.
Over the years, The ICIR has consistently reported on rising threats to media independence in Nigeria, including the arbitrary detention of journalists, censorship, intimidation by state actors, and the misuse of regulatory powers to silence dissenting voices.
In multiple investigations and advocacy campaigns, The ICIR has underscored the need for stronger legal protections for journalists and media houses, urging authorities at all levels to uphold constitutional provisions and international obligations guaranteeing freedom of expression.
This latest development, once again, raises alarm over the fragility of press freedom in Nigeria and reinforces the urgent need for institutional checks to prevent executive overreach and ensure media practitioners can operate without fear or interference.
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