The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has strongly condemned the shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station based in Minna, Niger State, describing it as an unlawful act that violates press freedom and democratic norms.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria warned that unless the station is reopened within 48 hours, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago will be added to the group’s “Book of Infamy”—a list of individuals who repress or intimidate journalists in Nigeria.
The closure of the station was reportedly ordered by Governor Bago during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on August 1, allegedly due to the station airing content critical of the state government.
IPI Nigeria described the action as “yet another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom by the current administration in Niger State,” calling it a blatant abuse of power.
The group recalled previous incidents that it said show a pattern of media repression under Bago’s government. These include the January 2025 detention of Yakubu Mustapha, Niger State correspondent for Peoples Daily and chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), over an article critical of the governor’s media adviser. In another case, VOA correspondent Mustapha Nasiru Batsari was reportedly assaulted in November 2023 by a commissioner in Bago’s cabinet after seeking an interview about a violent farmers’ clash.
Quoting Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, IPI Nigeria reminded the governor of the constitutional guarantee of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to information.
“If Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago fails to unconditionally reverse this illegal suspension within the next 48 hours, IPI Nigeria will be left with no choice but to include his name in our Book of Infamy,” the statement read.
IPI Nigeria warned that arbitrary actions against the media restrict the flow of diverse opinions and undermine public accountability.
The “Book of Infamy,” launched in April 2022, is IPI Nigeria’s initiative to document individuals who suppress media freedom. According to Mr. Mojeed, names listed will be shared with embassies, global media freedom groups, and human rights organisations.
“We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable—one way or another,” Mojeed added.
IPI Nigeria is the latest in a growing number of media and civil society groups condemning the action, joining calls for the immediate reopening of Badeggi FM.
