Press Freedom Under Fire! IPI Demands Swift Reopening Of Silenced Niger Radio Station

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has strongly condemned the suspension of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station based in Minna, Niger State, allegedly shut down on the orders of Governor Umaru Bago due to its broadcast of content deemed critical of his administration.

According to IReporter Online, the decision to silence the radio station has been met with outrage from media stakeholders who consider the move a brazen assault on press freedom and democratic norms.

In a statement jointly signed by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the institute described the action as “yet another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom.”

According to IReporter Online, IPI Nigeria noted a disturbing pattern of press repression under Governor Bago’s leadership.

The institute referenced the January 2025 detention of Yakubu Mustapha, a journalist with Peoples Daily and chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who was reportedly held for three days after publishing a critical piece targeting the governor’s media adviser.

Additionally, in November 2023, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari, a Voice of America (VOA) correspondent, was allegedly assaulted by a state commissioner for seeking an interview about a violent incident in Bosso Local Government Area.

IPI Nigeria further argued that Governor Bago’s actions contravene Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which safeguard press freedom and the right to information.

The institute has demanded the immediate and unconditional reversal of the suspension on Badegi FM, warning that failure to comply within 48 hours would result in the governor’s inclusion in IPI Nigeria’s Book of Infamy — a public registry launched in April 2022 to name individuals who repress or intimidate journalists and media houses in Nigeria.

According to IReporter Online, Mojeed emphasized that once listed, the names will be circulated among embassies, international media rights bodies, and human rights organizations to ensure accountability and draw global attention to press freedom violations within Nigeria.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”