Governor Bago Orders Closure Of Badeggi FM In Niger State

A political controversy has erupted in Niger State following the closure of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna on the orders of Governor Umar Bago.

Governor Bago reportedly instructed the state’s Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security to shut down the independent radio station, expressing displeasure over its programming. He also directed that the station’s broadcasting license be confiscated and its owner profiled.

In a statement released Friday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said the directive was issued during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting at the Government House in Minna.

According to Ibrahim, the governor accused the station of inciting the public against the government, stating: “Governor Bago directed that the license of the radio station be revoked and that the security agencies seal the premises. He also called for the profiling of the station’s owner, claiming the platform promotes violence.”

Badeggi FM Responds

In response, the station’s Director of Operations, Abubakar Shuaib, urged the governor to follow due process and refrain from using force against the station’s staff and management.

“The right thing to do is to write to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for investigation,” he said. “NBC monitors our programming daily and has full access to our schedule.”