The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria strongly condemns the unlawful suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station operating in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The closure was reportedly ordered by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on 1 August, allegedly in response to the station’s broadcast of content critical of the state government.
In a press statement jointly 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 grave violation of press freedom and an assault on democratic norms.
IPI Nigeria recalled previous troubling incidents that point to a growing pattern of repression against the press under Governor Bago’s leadership. In January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, the Niger State correspondent for People’s Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was detained for three days after allegedly circulating an article critical of the governor’s media adviser.
Similarly, in November 2023, Mustapha Batsari, the Niger State correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA), was reportedly assaulted by a commissioner in Governor Bago’s cabinet after requesting an interview regarding a violent clash between farmers in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area.
IPI Nigeria reminded Governor Bago that his actions represent a blatant abuse of power and are incompatible with the rights enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee freedom of expression, the right to information, and press freedom.
The Institute called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension imposed on Badegi FM and warned of further action should the governor fail to comply.
IPI Nigeria reminded Governor Bago that his actions represent a blatant abuse of power and are incompatible with the rights enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee freedom of expression, the right to information, and press freedom.
The Institute called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension imposed on Badegi FM and warned of further action should the governor fail to comply.
Announcing the initiative during a meeting with then-Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, IPI Nigeria’s President, Mr Mojeed, noted that the list would be routinely 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.
● By Musikilu Mojeed, President; Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser
