The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the shutdown order issued by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, against Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station in Minna.
In a statement on Saturday, the NBA, through its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, condemned the move as “executive rascality of the highest order,” describing it as a gross abuse of power and a clear violation of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Governor Bago’s directive, reportedly executed through the state’s Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, also allegedly includes plans to profile the station’s owner and mark the premises for demolition—actions the NBA said were completely outside the scope of the governor’s legal authority.
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“The Governor has no constitutional powers to revoke broadcasting licenses or shut down media organisations,” the NBA stated, insisting that such authority lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which regulates broadcasting in Nigeria under established laws and procedures.
The NBA further warned security agencies, particularly the Commissioner of Police, against carrying out unlawful orders, asserting that they “must not act on unlawful executive directives” and must instead operate within the bounds of the law.
Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to own and operate media outlets, the NBA reaffirmed that press freedom is a constitutional right, not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn at the whim of any political officeholder.
According to the association, the actions against Badeggi FM represent an affront to democratic values and press freedom, noting that arbitrary restrictions on the media without judicial process set a dangerous precedent.
In its concluding remarks, the NBA called on Governor Bago to rescind the closure order without delay and urged all levels of government to uphold constitutional provisions, respect the rule of law, and safeguard press freedom.
“A free and independent media is not a privilege,” Osigwe declared. “It is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society.”
The NBA’s intervention adds to the growing condemnation from media and civil society groups over the shutdown of Badeggi FM, with many warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
