NBA Demands Immediate Reversal of Badeggi FM Shutdown by Niger Governor

Minna, Nigeria – August 2, 2025. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a scathing condemnation of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State following his directive to shut down Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately-owned radio station based in Minna.

The NBA described the action as an unconstitutional overreach and a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic principles.

In a statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association warned that the directive—which reportedly included instructing the state’s Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security to profile the station’s owner and mark the premises for demolition—amounts to “executive rascality of the highest order.”

“The Governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to shut down or revoke the licence of any broadcast outlet. That mandate lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which must follow due process,” the statement read.

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the NBA emphasized that freedom of expression—including the right to operate media platforms—is a guaranteed right, not subject to arbitrary suppression by state actors.

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The Association reminded all security agencies that they are duty-bound to uphold the law and must resist being used as tools for political vendetta or media censorship.

The NBA further affirmed:

Governor Bago’s directive is unlawful and devoid of legal standing
Security agencies must not enforce executive directives that violate constitutional rights.
Media regulation must be conducted by the NBC in accordance with statutory procedures.

The shutdown of Badeggi FM is a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.

The NBA called on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw the order and cautioned all public officials against taking actions that undermine Nigeria’s constitutional framework.