- SERAP demands Niger governor reverse Badeggi FM shutdown
- Group says closure violates constitutional rights
- Threatens legal action if station’s licence isn’t reinstated within 48 hours.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to reverse his decision to shut down Badeggi FM Radio and revoke its broadcast licence, describing the move as “arbitrary and unlawful.”
In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP demanded the immediate reinstatement of the station’s licence, an end to threats of demolishing its premises, and protection of the rights of owner Shuaibu Badeggi and his staff.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the organisation accused the state government of weaponising regulatory agencies to suppress press freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Last Friday, Bago ordered security agencies to seal Badeggi FM, revoke its licence, profile its owner, and mark the station’s premises for demolition, alleging the station incited violence against his administration. SERAP rejected these claims as “vague and unsubstantiated,” insisting that the actions violate Section 39 of Nigeria’s Constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“The shutdown of Badeggi FM undermines the public’s right to be informed and threatens the press’s watchdog role,” the letter read. “Any restrictions on media freedom must be lawful, necessary, and protect legitimate interests. Your directive is none of these.”
The rights group gave the governor 48 hours to reverse the decision or face legal action, stressing that a free press is crucial for democracy.
