Niger State Governor Orders Closure of Badeggi FM Over Alleged Incitement, Unethical Broadcasting

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station based in Minna, over allegations of inciting public unrest and breaching broadcasting ethics.

The directive was issued on Friday, August 1, during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the Government House in Minna. In an official statement released by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the administration accused the station of promoting content that allegedly incites violence and encourages opposition against the state government.

“Governor Bago also accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government and directed that the license of the radio station be revoked,” the statement read.

The governor further instructed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the state Commissioner of Police to seal the station and investigate its founder, Shuaibu Badeggi, for reportedly using the platform to disseminate provocative content.

Badeggi FM 90.1, established in 2020, has operated as a private broadcaster serving Minna and surrounding areas. Its sudden shutdown has sparked conversation regarding media freedom and the responsibilities of private broadcasters in politically sensitive environments.