Court Halts Niger Government’s Move Against Badeggi Radio in Landmark Ruling

A High Court sitting in Niger State has issued an interim injunction in favour of Badeggi Radio Broadcasting Services Ltd, effectively halting any potentially harmful action against the station by the state government or its affiliated agencies.

In a ruling delivered on August 5, 2025, Justice Mohammed S.A. Mohammed granted the request made by Badeggi Radio and its Managing Director, Mohammed Shuaibu Badeggi, for judicial protection of their broadcasting operations. The court ordered all parties involved to maintain the current state of affairs pending the determination of the substantive motion.

The interim decision restrains the Executive Governor of Niger State and the Niger State Urban Development Board from initiating any move that could undermine the station’s broadcasting licence or disrupt its business activities. Specific actions prohibited include any attempts at revocation, seizure, demolition, or withdrawal of rights tied to the station’s premises situated at the NTA Compound, Uphill Minna.

Legal counsel for the applicants, Philip K. Emmanuel, welcomed the ruling, noting that it affirms the fundamental rights of his clients as protected under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the National Broadcasting Commission Act.

The matter has been slated for further hearing, where the court is expected to address the substantive legal issues raised by the parties.