The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the governor’s directive to intimidate and shut down Badeggi FM, a Minna-based radio station. The suit challenges actions including threats to seal the station, revoke its license, demolish its premises, and profile its owner, which SERAP and NGE argue violate constitutional protections of freedom of expression and media independence.
They seek a court declaration affirming NBC’s duty to protect broadcasting outlets like Badeggi FM from undue interference and an injunction restraining the governor and NBC from harassment and license revocation threats. The suit underscores the essential role of a free press in democracy and warns that such intimidation stifles public debate ahead of elections.
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