Minna: 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 Governor Umaru Bago over the station’s alleged broadcast of content critical of his administration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this development was detailed in a statement jointly signed by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi. The Institute has described the suspension as a direct assault on freedom of expression and media freedom, emphasizing its view that this action constitutes a grave violation of press rights and democratic norms.
IPI Nigeria pointed out an ongoing pattern of press repression under Governor Bago’s administration. The Institute recalled a previous incident in January 2025, where 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 after an article critical of the governor’s media adviser was circulated.
In another related incident, in November 2023, Voice of America correspondent Mustapha Nasiru Batsari was allegedly assaulted by a commissioner after requesting an interview concerning a violent clash in the Bosso Local Government Area. IPI Nigeria emphasized that such actions by the governor are in direct contravention of Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which safeguard press freedom and the right to access information.
The Institute has called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the suspension on Badegi FM, warning that if the suspension is not lifted within 48 hours, the governor will be added to its Book of Infamy. Launched in April 2022, the Book of Infamy catalogs individuals who engage in the repression or intimidation of journalists and media organizations in Nigeria.
Musikilu Mojeed stated that the Book of Infamy would be shared with embassies, media rights groups, and human rights organizations worldwide to ensure accountability. During a meeting with the then Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Mojeed announced that the Book of Infamy would be regularly updated and circulated to embassies, international media freedom organizations, and human rights bodies globally.