Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has been given a 24-hour ultimatum by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), to reopen Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station based in Minna.
The demand was contained in an open letter dated August 2 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare.
In the letter, SERAP described the station’s closure as “arbitrary and unlawful,” urging the governor to restore its licence, halt threats to demolish its premises, and stop the alleged profiling of its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi.
The ultimatum follows Governor Bago’s recent directive ordering the sealing of the station, revocation of its licence, and potential demolition over allegations that its broadcasts were inciting and unethical.
SERAP rejected the claims as unsubstantiated and politically motivated, warning that such actions endanger press freedom and Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The clampdown on Badeggi FM violates constitutional rights and international obligations, particularly Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the group said.
It added that continued defiance could result in legal action to compel compliance, stressing that the media must be free to inform the public without fear of government retaliation.