IPI Nigeria demands immediate reopening of Badeggi FM, threatens to blacklist Governor Bago
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has strongly condemned the unlawful suspension of Badeggi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
The closure was reportedly ordered by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on August 1 during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting, allegedly in response to the station broadcasting content critical of the state government.
In a press statement signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria described the action as “yet another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom by the current administration in Niger State under Governor Bago.” The Institute condemned the arbitrary suspension as a serious violation of press freedom and an attack on democratic principles.
IPI Nigeria recalled other incidents that suggest a pattern of repression against the press under Governor Bago’s leadership.
In January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, the Niger State correspondent for Peoples Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was detained for three days after reportedly circulating an article critical of the governor’s media adviser.
Similarly, in November 2023, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari, the Niger State correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA), was allegedly assaulted by a commissioner in Governor Bago’s cabinet after seeking an interview about a violent clash between farmers.
READ ALSO: Gov Bago under fire for Badeggi FM shutdown as ADC alleges abuse of power
IPI Nigeria reminded Governor Bago that his actions are a blatant abuse of power and are inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which protect freedom of expression, the right to information, and press freedom.
The Institute demanded the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension on Badeggi FM and threatened further action if the governor fails to comply.
“If Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago fails to unconditionally reverse this illegal suspension within the next 48 hours, IPI Nigeria will be left with no choice but to include his name in our Book of Infamy,” the statement read.
The group emphasised that the arbitrary closure of media outlets harms society by restricting the free flow of diverse opinions and information. Such actions, it stated, are contrary to the global push for media pluralism and accountability in governance.
“Governor Bago’s administration must uphold the inalienable rights of the people of Niger State, including their rights to free expression, access to information, and freedom of the press,” IPI Nigeria asserted.
The “Book of Infamy” was launched by IPI Nigeria in April 2022 to document individuals whose actions contribute to the repression, harassment, or intimidation of journalists and media organisations in Nigeria.
During the initiative’s announcement, Mr. Mojeed noted that the list would be regularly updated and shared with embassies, international media freedom organisations, and human rights bodies worldwide.
“We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable, one way or another,” Mr. Mojeed said.
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