The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to immediately halt what it describes as a clampdown on press freedom following the sealing of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station based in the state capital.
In a statement issued over the weekend, SERAP urged the governor to reverse the decision to revoke the radio station’s license and withdraw threats to demolish its premises.
The rights group condemned the actions as arbitrary, unlawful, and a violation of constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression and media independence.
The controversy erupted last Friday when Governor Bago reportedly ordered the Niger State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to shut down Badeggi FM, revoke its operational license, and initiate a probe into its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
The government’s action sparked widespread criticism and concern over shrinking civic space in the state.
SERAP has also raised concerns about the safety and liberty of Badeggi and other staff of the station, urging the government to provide assurances of their protection from intimidation, harassment, or arbitrary detention.
The organisation further warned against the use of federal agencies, particularly the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as tools for political vendettas, and called on the governor to uphold his constitutional duty to defend the rights of all citizens, including journalists and media workers.
The attempted demolition of the station was reportedly called off following public backlash, but tensions remain high as press freedom advocates demand accountability and restoration of the station’s broadcasting rights.
