The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have dragged Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to court over what they call the “ongoing intimidation” of Badeggi FM Radio, Minna.
The lawsuit, filed Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos (FHC/L/CS/1587/2025), challenges Governor Bago’s order to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM and revoke its licence over alleged public incitement.
SERAP and NGE argue the allegations are “vague, unfounded and aimed at silencing the station,” and accuse NBC of neglecting its legal duty to protect broadcasters from unlawful interference.
The groups seek court declarations affirming that NBC is obligated under Section 22 of the Constitution and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act to defend the independence of radio stations, and that the governor’s threats breach constitutional rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.
They also request a perpetual injunction restraining both the governor and NBC from further harassment or attempts to revoke Badeggi FM’s licence.
In their statement, SERAP and NGE warned that silencing dissent “under vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns” violates Nigeria’s human rights obligations and could deter press participation in public debates ahead of the 2027 elections.
No hearing date has been fixed.
