Amnesty International has accused Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, of abusing his office following his order to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna.
The human rights group described the move as “repressive” and said the governor’s claim that the station was inciting violence had no legal backing.
In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the shutdown was a direct attack on press freedom.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued by Governor Umar Bago for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna,” Sanusi said.
“The governor’s allegation of incitement and his directive to revoke the station’s licence show a clear abuse of power and an unacceptable attempt to silence critical voices. The order is misguided and unjustifiable.”
Sanusi noted that under Nigerian law, state governors have no power to close a licensed radio station. He urged the governor to withdraw the directive immediately.
“While armed groups continue to attack rural communities across Niger State, with the government failing to provide basic security, blaming a radio station is nothing short of a distraction and a failure of leadership,” he said.
He added that targeting independent media was part of a broader effort to spread fear in newsrooms and weaken public access to reliable information.
“Going after Badeggi FM fits into a growing pattern of intimidation aimed at journalists and broadcasters. The intention is clear to block citizens from getting fair, objective reporting on matters that affect their lives,” Sanusi said.
Governor Bago had announced the shutdown order on Thursday during an expanded APC caucus meeting at the Government House in Minna.
He accused the station of “unethical” conduct and “inciting the public” without giving details.
