By Ayomide Otitoju
Amnesty International has condemned the shutdown of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna by Niger State Governor Umar Bago, calling the move a “repressive misuse of power” and a threat to press freedom.
Governor Bago ordered the closure during an APC caucus meeting, accusing the station of inciting violence and calling for the revocation of its licence. In response, Amnesty International’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, denounced the action as “unlawful, misguided, and unjustifiable.”
“The closure reflects a dangerous intolerance for critical voices,” Sanusi said. “Instead of addressing the growing insecurity in Niger State, the government is targeting the media.”
Sanusi emphasized that governors lack the constitutional authority to shut down radio stations and urged Governor Bago to withdraw the order immediately.
“This attack on independent media fits a broader pattern of intimidation across Nigeria and undermines journalists’ ability to report on issues affecting the public,” he added.
