SERAP, Editors Sue Niger Governor and NBC Over Badeggi FM Clampdown
By:IDNN News Desk
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over what they describe as the unlawful clampdown on Badeggi FM Radio in Minna.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenges the governor’s directive to close the station, revoke its licence, and profile its owner over alleged incitement of violence.
In court filings, SERAP and the NGE accuse the NBC of failing to defend Badeggi FM from political intimidation, despite its statutory role as the regulator of broadcasting in Nigeria.
“The ongoing intimidation and threat to strip Badeggi FM of its licence, demolish its premises, and profile its owner violates constitutional rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom,” the plaintiffs argued.
The suit cites Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act, which obligate the Commission to protect broadcasters from undue interference.
The groups also warned that the threats could discourage media coverage of matters of public concern ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the orders sought are a perpetual injunction restraining the governor and NBC from harassing the station, and a declaration that NBC’s inaction amounts to a breach of its statutory duties.
No date has been set for the hearing.
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