Abeokuta – Amnesty International has strongly condemned the decision by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM, a private radio station based in Minna, describing the move as “lawless, repressive and an abuse of power.”
The global human rights organisation issued a statement on Saturday through its Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, following the governor’s directive alleging that the station was “inciting violence,” and calling for the revocation of its broadcast licence.
Sanusi described the shutdown as “misguided and unjustifiable,” stressing that such action reflects a dangerous intolerance for dissent and undermines press freedom in the state.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna – which is an independent source of news for the people of Niger State,” the statement read.
“The governor’s allegation against the radio station of ‘inciting violence’ and his order that the licence of the station be revoked clearly shows abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices.”
The rights group raised concerns over what it called misplaced priorities, especially as Niger State grapples with worsening insecurity, including frequent attacks by armed groups, mass displacement of residents, and rising fear among rural communities.
Amnesty International further pointed out that under Nigerian law, state governors do not have the constitutional authority to shut down broadcast media, and urged Governor Bago to immediately withdraw the closure order and allow the station to resume operations.
The closure of Badeggi FM has sparked public outcry among media professionals and civil society actors, who view the development as part of a growing trend of clampdowns on independent journalism and press freedom across parts of Nigeria.
As of press time, the Niger State government has yet to issue an official response to Amnesty International’s statement.
