The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have taken legal action against Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accusing them of persistently intimidating Badeggi FM Radio in Minna and threatening to close down the station.
They alleged that the state government has been using the NBC and security agencies as tools to target the station and its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
According to SERAP and NGE, Governor Bago recently threatened to revoke Badeggi FM’s operating licence, seal off its premises, demolish its structures, and profile its proprietor — all in apparent retaliation for programmes he considered unfavourable to his administration.
The groups said the station and its owner have been subjected to continuous harassment and intimidation.
In suit number FHC/L/CS/1587/2025, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine whether, by virtue of Section 22 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act, the commission is legally obligated to protect Badeggi FM from such intimidation.
They are seeking a declaration that, under these provisions, the NBC has a statutory duty to shield the station and other media houses in Nigeria from threats, harassment, and undue interference.
The applicants are also requesting an order of perpetual injunction restraining Governor Bago and the NBC from further harassing, intimidating, or attempting to revoke the station’s licence, as well as from profiling its owner.
SERAP and NGE argue in the suit that unless the reliefs sought are granted, the governor will persist in using intimidation tactics against the radio station and may further exploit the NBC to achieve that aim.
They stated that the NBC’s failure to protect Badeggi FM from political interference and ongoing threats amounts to a violation of its duty to guarantee lawful, independent, and fair broadcasting practices across the country.
The lawsuit, filed by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Andrew Nwankwo, emphasised the essential role of the press in safeguarding freedom of expression and information in a democratic society.
They maintained that silencing dissenting voices under vague and unproven claims of national security breaches violates both the Nigerian Constitution and the nation’s international human rights commitments.
The groups warned that intimidating Badeggi FM and its proprietor could have a chilling effect on media freedom in several states, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
They further stressed that such intimidation undermines democracy by discouraging robust debate on matters of public interest. Media organisations in Niger State, they said, must be able to operate freely without fear of reprisals.
Governor Bago, they alleged, had ordered the immediate closure of Badeggi FM, marked the premises for demolition, and instructed the Commissioner of Homeland Security to profile the station’s owner over unfounded claims that the station promotes violence.
He reportedly described the station’s daily activities as “unethical” and accused its owner of inciting the public against the government.
Among other reliefs, SERAP and NGE are also asking the court to declare the threats to revoke Badeggi FM’s licence and demolish its facilities as unlawful and a violation of the rights to free expression, access to information, and press freedom.
They further request an order of perpetual injunction restraining the governor, the NBC, and their agents from taking any further action to intimidate, harass, or revoke the licence of Badeggi FM or any other broadcasting outlet in Niger State.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the matter.
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