The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Niger State governor, Umar Bago to reverse his decision to strip Badeggi FM radio station of its license, or face legal action.
SERAP also requested that the Governor reinstate the radio station’s license, withdraw his threat to demolish its premises, and stop the crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom in Niger State.
The civil society organisation, which made the call in an open letter dated August 2, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, also asked Bago to end his alleged attacks against the owner of the radio station, Shuaibu Badeggi as well as other staff members.
It further urged the Governor to publicly guarantee their rights to liberty and security, and end what it called impunity for violations of freedom of expression and media freedom in the state.
SERAP further urged the governor and his administration not to use the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and law enforcement agencies to further target Badeggi FM but instead uphold his constitutional oath of office to protect Nigerians’ freedom of expression and media freedom in Niger State.
It alleged that Governor Bago’s “vague, unfounded, and unsubstantiated allegations that the radio station is inciting violence appear to be aimed at silencing it and its owner.”
SERAP maintained that silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns was a fundamental breach of the governor’s constitutional oath of office and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
It stressed that silencing Badeggi FM and its owner would chill the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom across several states.
The organisation insisted that shutting down the station, arbitrarily revoking its license, threatening to unlawfully demolish its premises, and profiling the station’s owner clearly contradict the requirements of the 1999 Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.
“If we do not hear from you by then (48 hours), SERAP will take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter warned.
SERAP added that the crackdown on Badeggi FM and its owner could discourage press participation in debates over matters of legitimate public concern ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It added that, “Media outlets in Niger State must be free to discuss issues of public interest without fear of reprisals.
“The closure of the station, revocation of its license, profiling of its owner, and threats to demolish its premises endanger the station and its staff’s ability to fulfil their professional and constitutional duties, as well as the broader landscape of independent media in Nigeria.”
SERAP insisted that, “Any restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom must be provided by law, aimed at protecting legitimate objectives, and necessary to achieve those aims.
“However, your directive is neither lawful nor necessary. It also does not serve the public interest,” SERAP asserted.
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