Radio - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Aug, Sun, 2025

IPI demands immediate reopening of closed Radio station in Niger

166 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station operating in Minna, Niger State.

The closure was reportedly ordered by Gov. Umaru Bago over the station’s alleged broadcast of content critical of his administration.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi.

The Institute described the suspension as “yet another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom,” calling it a grave violation of press rights and democratic norms.

IPI Nigeria highlighted a pattern of press repression under Bago’s administration.

It recalled that in January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, a journalist with Peoples Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was detained for three days.

His detention followed the circulation of an article critical of the governor’s media adviser.

Similarly, in Nov. 2023, VOA correspondent Mustapha Nasiru Batsari was allegedly assaulted by a commissioner after requesting an interview about a violent clash in Bosso Local Government Area.

IPI Nigeria said the governor’s actions contravened Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guaranteed press freedom and access to information.

It called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension on Badegi FM, warning that failure to comply within 48 hours would result in the governor’s inclusion in its Book of Infamy.

Launched in April 2022, the Book of Infamy documents individuals who repress or intimidate journalists and media organisations in Nigeria.

Mojeed stated that the list would be shared with embassies, media rights groups, and human rights organisations worldwide to ensure accountability.

Announcing the initiative during a meeting with the then Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, stated that the Book of Infamy would be regularly updated.

He added that it would be circulated to embassies, international media freedom organisations, and human rights bodies across the world.

“We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable, one way or another,” Mojeed said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Editors condemn closure of radio station in Niger

Ismail Abdulaziz
Aug, Sun, 2025

General News

Editors condemn closure of radio station in Niger

260 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger.

The apex body of editors in Nigeria said in a statement that the governor’s action was a “blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.”

The statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja was signed by the guild ‘s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary,

Onuoha Ukeh.

” This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” it said.

The statement said Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.

According to the statement, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression

It added that the governor acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

” The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

” We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out.

” This should go beyond observing the anomaly.

” The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out,” it said.

The statement said arbitrary closure of media houses was a reminder of the dark days of military rule.

It, however, noted that Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station was a serious issue which had to be investigated and proven before any action could be taken.

” We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals,” it said.

The statement called on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.

” Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues,” it said.

The guild reiterated that a free and independent press remained essential for a functioning democracy.

It also demanded that governments at all levels must respect and uphold this fundamental right.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo