Another Blow to Media Freedom in Niger State
The crisis surrounding Badeggi FM, an independent radio station in Minna, Niger State, has deepened as reports emerged of a government plan to demolish the station’s building. Amnesty International, a globally recognized human rights organization, has strongly condemned this action, labeling it a direct attack on press freedom and a violation of Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Just days after Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ordered the closure of Badeggi FM over alleged “incitement against government,” new developments show the state government moving to physically erase the media house from existence — a move Amnesty has described as both “unlawful” and “repressive.”
Governor Bago’s Escalating Actions Against Badeggi FM
Governor Bago’s administration first came under fire when he directed the State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1 over accusations that it was inciting unrest among citizens. He also ordered that the station’s license be revoked and that its owner be profiled — a directive many viewed as executive overreach.
However, what appeared to be a crackdown on content has now escalated into an attempt to destroy the station’s physical presence. According to reports shared by Amnesty International, government agents were seen marking the building for demolition, allegedly citing non-compliance with land administration laws.
Amnesty International Reacts: “This Is an Abuse of Power”
Taking to its official Facebook page, Amnesty International Nigeria shared a video showing government personnel marking the building that houses Badeggi FM. The accompanying statement was unequivocal:
“Niger state governor Umar Bago has just sent a squad that marked the building of Badeggi FM 90.1 Minna for demolition. This unlawful and repressive move… must be halted.”
Amnesty further alleged that the state government was using “manipulated land administration claims” as a pretext to silence a critical media voice.
“This is an abuse of office and a calculated attempt to crush independent journalism,” the group stated.
Media Freedom Under Siege: A Pattern of Suppression
This development adds to growing fears of media suppression in Niger State. As previously reported, Badeggi FM has been critical of government operations and has consistently aired programs that hold public officials accountable — a role enshrined in the ethics of journalism.
The demolition threat is now seen not just as retaliation, but as a deliberate effort to intimidate other media platforms into silence.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates argue that Governor Bago’s administration is bypassing the regulatory authority of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — the only body legally empowered to investigate and sanction media organizations in Nigeria.
What the Law Says About Press Freedom
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under Section 39, guarantees the freedom of expression and the press. Additionally, international treaties that Nigeria has ratified, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reinforce this right.
Unilateral shutdowns and threats of demolition without judicial oversight or due process directly contradict these legal frameworks. Amnesty International emphasized this in its statement, warning that such actions represent “a dangerous slide toward authoritarian governance.”
Public Reaction: A Call for Accountability
Civil society groups, journalists, and political commentators have joined Amnesty in condemning the governor’s actions. Many have described the demolition threat as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward dissent in Niger State.
Some residents have taken to social media, urging the governor to reconsider the decision and engage in dialogue rather than suppression. Calls have also been made for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to step in and investigate the legality of the government’s actions.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning for Press Freedom in Nigeria
The ongoing situation in Niger State is more than just a local dispute — it’s a critical moment for press freedom in Nigeria. The attempt to shut down and demolish Badeggi FM under questionable circumstances sets a dangerous precedent. If left unchecked, it could open the floodgates for similar actions across the country.
Human rights organizations, constitutional experts, and citizens must continue to hold public officials accountable. Democracy thrives when the media is free to operate without fear of retaliation or repression. Governor Bago’s administration must halt this demolition plan and respect both national and international laws protecting media freedom.
