SERAP And Editors Guild Takes Niger Governor NBC To Court Over Badeggi FM Dispute

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have taken legal action against Niger State governor Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission, accusing them of targeting Badeggi FM Radio in Minna and its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, follows a series of moves by the governor, including threats to revoke the station’s licence, shut it down, demolish its building, and investigate its owner over alleged dissatisfaction with its programmes. The plaintiffs say the NBC’s failure to step in has worsened the situation, creating a serious risk to press freedom and access to information.

The lawsuit seeks a court ruling on whether the NBC has a legal duty, under the constitution and its establishing Act, to shield Badeggi FM from political intimidation. SERAP and NGE are also asking for an order permanently stopping the governor and the commission from harassing the station or attempting to close it.

They argue that the NBC is responsible for ensuring lawful and independent broadcasting, and that ignoring the threats amounts to neglecting its statutory role. According to them, the accusations against Badeggi FM of inciting violence are vague and unsupported by evidence.

The groups maintain that suppressing critical media voices under loosely defined security claims undermines constitutional rights and international human rights obligations. They warn that such actions could silence journalists ahead of the 2027 elections, deterring open public debate.

Reports indicate that Governor Bago had already ordered Badeggi FM’s shutdown, marked its premises for demolition, and directed security officials to profile its owner. He accused the station of promoting violence and unethical broadcasting practices.

SERAP and NGE counter that even controversial or unpopular views are protected expressions, and that a state governor has no authority to exercise the NBC’s regulatory powers. They are urging the court to declare the threats unlawful and to reaffirm that broadcasters must be free from political interference.

A date for the hearing of the case has not yet been set.