Amnesty International has condemned the directive by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, ordering the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The global human rights group described the allegation that the station was “inciting violence” and the subsequent move to revoke its licence as a blatant abuse of power and an unjustifiable assault on press freedom.

In a statement issued Saturday by Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, the organisation denounced the governor’s action as both repressive and unlawful.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the reckless and authoritarian order by Governor Umar Bago to shut down Badeggi 90.1 FM – an independent news source for Niger residents,” Sanusi stated. “Accusing the station of incitement and calling for its licence to be revoked reflects an unacceptable intolerance for dissent and critical journalism.”

Sanusi criticised the state government’s media clampdown at a time when Niger is grappling with worsening insecurity, mass displacement, and unchecked violence from armed groups.

“Instead of focusing on protecting citizens from bandits and insurgents, the state is targeting a radio station for simply doing its job. This is a clear failure of leadership,” he said.

He further stressed that under Nigerian law, state governors lack the authority to unilaterally close down broadcast stations, adding that Governor Bago’s action was illegal.

“Blaming a media outlet for the government’s security lapses is a dangerous distraction and part of a broader pattern of silencing independent voices,” Sanusi added. “It creates fear across newsrooms and undermines the right of Nigerians to access objective and accurate information.”

Amnesty International has called for the immediate reversal of the shutdown order and urged authorities to respect media freedom and uphold the rule of law.