The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) are taking Niger State Governor Umar Bago to court over what they call “a campaign of intimidation” against Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station.
In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos (FHC/L/CS/1587/2025) on Friday, 8 August, the two groups accused Governor Bago of threatening to shut down the station, revoke its licence, demolish its premises, and even “profile” its owner. They also allege the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has stood by without protecting the station’s independence.
“Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the governor will continue to threaten, intimidate, and harass the radio station,” the applicants said in a statement posted on SERAP’s X account on Sunday.
They want the court to declare that, under Section 22 of Nigeria’s Constitution and Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act, the NBC is legally bound to safeguard Badeggi FM — and indeed all media outlets — from political interference.
The suit argues that the intimidation is “unlawful” and violates fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media independence. They also dismissed allegations of “inciting violence” levelled against Badeggi FM as “vague, unfounded, and clearly aimed at silencing the station.”
In a strongly worded submission, the applicants warned: “Silencing Badeggi FM would have a chilling effect on media freedom across Nigeria. The ongoing harassment is at odds with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under international human rights law.”
The case is expected to reignite debate on press freedom, political power, and the role of the NBC in protecting independent journalism in the country.
