By Peter Omopo
Minna, August 4, 2025 — The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) have strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, describing it as a blatant violation of press freedom and constitutional rights.
The private radio station was reportedly shut down on the orders of Governor Mohammed Bago following critical coverage of his administration. In response, IPI Nigeria, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, warned that the suspension amounted to a “crackdown on freedom of expression,” and urged the immediate reopening of the station.
“The governor’s actions contravene Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee press freedom and access to information,” the IPI stated. The organisation also referenced a pattern of media repression in Niger State, including the January 2025 detention of Peoples Daily journalist Yakubu Mustapha, and an earlier incident involving an alleged assault on Voice of America correspondent Mustapha Batsari by a state commissioner in 2023.
IPI Nigeria further issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the station’s reopening, threatening to list Governor Bago in its Book of Infamy—a global record of public officials who suppress or intimidate the press.
“We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable, one way or another,” Mojeed warned.
The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum echoed the call for action, warning of a regional media blackout of Niger State government activities unless Badeggi FM is allowed to operate freely. In a statement issued after a consultative meeting with the station’s CEO, Mohammed Badeggi, ABMPF Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, accused the state government of harassment and unconstitutional interference.
“Badeggi FM remains on air despite an illegal closure order reportedly issued by the state government,” Yelwa stated, commending the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for upholding its regulatory authority by refusing to implement the directive.
Yelwa also praised the Minister of Information, Alhaji Idris Mohammed, for affirming that only the NBC has legal powers to regulate broadcast media in Nigeria—not state governments.
In a broader criticism, ABMPF decried what it termed “lopsided media patronage” by northern governors, accusing them of favouring Southwest-based media outlets in government advertising and sponsorship while neglecting local northern broadcasters like Badeggi FM.
“Billions of Naira are funnelled into Southwest-based media annually, while resilient local stations like Badeggi FM are left to struggle or face political hostility,” Yelwa said.
Both IPI and ABMPF urged Nigerian leaders to uphold democratic values by constructively engaging with the media rather than resorting to intimidation.
“The media is not the enemy. It is a critical pillar of democracy and a mirror of society. Leaders must treat it with respect and responsibility,” Yelwa added.