The attempt by the Niger State government to resolve its legal dispute with Badeggi FM out of court has collapsed, forcing the presiding judge to withdraw from the matter.
374 VIOLATORS TO PAY N5m PENALTY, GET FRESH C-OF-O UPON PAYMENT OF NECESSARY FEES SEE LIST HERE
The case, filed on August 5, 2025, with suit number NSHC/M/0296/2025, came before Justice Mohammed Mohammed, a vacation judge at the Minna High Court. During an earlier hearing on August 25, counsel to the state government, Jacob Johnson Usman SAN, had informed the court that Governor Mohammed Bago and the Attorney General of Niger State were open to an amicable settlement. Both parties agreed to report back on September 3.
374 VIOLATORS TO PAY N5m PENALTY, GET FRESH C-OF-O UPON PAYMENT OF NECESSARY FEES SEE LIST HERE
However, when the case resumed on Wednesday, counsel to Badeggi FM, Barrister Philip Emmanuel, told the court that negotiations had failed. Another lawyer representing the station confirmed that talks broke down but added that other channels for resolution could still be explored.
374 VIOLATORS TO PAY N5m PENALTY, GET FRESH C-OF-O UPON PAYMENT OF NECESSARY FEES SEE LIST HERE
Justice Mohammed Mohammed responded by announcing his withdrawal from the case, noting that his tenure as a vacation judge had ended. He adjourned the matter indefinitely, leaving it for reassignment by the Chief Judge of Niger State.
RELATED STORIES
Related Posts
The dispute began after Governor Bago ordered the closure of Badeggi FM, accusing the private station of incitement. He also directed security agencies to profile the owner, Shuaibu Badeggi. The action sparked backlash from media organisations and civil society groups, prompting the station to challenge the shutdown in court, seeking enforcement of its fundamental rights.
The case has since drawn wider attention. In August, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) filed a separate suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos against Governor Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). They argued that the NBC has a constitutional duty to protect Badeggi FM from harassment and intimidation.
SERAP and NGE are asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the Niger State government and the NBC from threatening the station, revoking its licence, or profiling its owner.
With the failure of the settlement move and the judge’s withdrawal, the legal battle over Badeggi FM’s shutdown is now set to continue under the supervision of a new judge to be appointed by the Chief Judge of Niger State.
Comments are closed.