The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the shutdown of Badeggi 90.1 FM by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, calling it unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), in a statement on Saturday, said only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to regulate or suspend broadcasting operations in Nigeria.
“This constitutes executive rascality of the highest order. It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The NBA said the station’s closure—allegedly carried out through directives to the State Commissioner of Police and Homeland Security Commissioner, and including plans to demolish the premises—was unlawful and must be reversed.
“The Governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment. In Nigeria, only the NBC has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting,” Osigwe stressed.
He also cautioned security agencies against acting on illegal executive orders, urging the Commissioner of Police and other authorities to refuse implementation.
Citing Section 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, the NBA said the closure of Badeggi FM without regulatory or judicial process is “a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance.”
The Association demanded an immediate withdrawal of the directive and urged governments at all levels to uphold press freedom and the rule of law.
“A free and independent media is not a privilege – it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the NBA stated.
