The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Niger State Governor Umar Bago 48 hours to reverse the closure of Badeggi FM, a private radio station in Minna.
In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group condemned the closure as “arbitrary and unlawful” and demanded the reinstatement of the station’s license, withdrawal of demolition threats, and an end to what it described as a clampdown on media freedom and free speech in the state.
SERAP also urged the governor to cease all forms of intimidation against the station’s owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, and staff members, while providing assurances for their safety and freedom.
“Using vague national security claims to silence dissenting voices violates your constitutional duty and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments,” the organisation said.
Governor Bago had on Friday ordered the closure of Badeggi FM, revoked its operating licence, and directed security officials to investigate the station’s owner.
