By Olakunle Oke
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have initiated legal action against Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accusing them of “ongoing intimidation” of Badeggi FM Radio, Minna.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos under case number FHC/L/CS/1587/2025, seeks to halt the alleged harassment of the privately-owned station and its proprietor, Shuaibu Badeggi. SERAP and NGE contend that the governor has threatened to revoke the station’s licence, seal its premises, demolish its building, and target its owner over broadcasts perceived as critical of his administration.
The plaintiffs ask the court to affirm that, under Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act, the commission has a statutory duty to safeguard Badeggi FM and other media outlets from threats, intimidation, or harassment. They are also requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent further interference by both the governor and NBC with the station’s operations.
According to SERAP and NGE, NBC’s alleged failure to protect the station from arbitrary executive pressure breaches its mandate to guarantee fair, independent, and lawful broadcasting. They assert that the governor’s conduct infringes upon press freedom, the public’s right to information, and freedom of expression.
The organisations describe allegations that Badeggi FM incited violence as “vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated,” suggesting they serve to suppress dissenting voices ahead of the 2027 general elections. They caution that such intimidation risks chilling media freedom nationwide and undermining democratic principles.
The lawsuit, prepared by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Agunbiade, and Andrew Nwankwo, underscores the necessity for media outlets to operate free from fear of reprisal, enabling robust public debate. It emphasises that any restrictions on press freedom must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, warning against arbitrary invocation of national security to limit expression.
Reports indicate Governor Bago has ordered the closure of Badeggi FM, authorised demolition of its premises, and instructed profiling of its owner. He accuses the station of unethical practices and inciting public unrest, allegations the plaintiffs reject as baseless.
No hearing date has been scheduled for the case.
