The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has demanded the immediate reopening of Badegi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, following what it described as an “unlawful suspension” of the station allegedly ordered by Governor Mohammed Bago.

In a statement released on Saturday, August 2, and jointly signed by the organisation’s President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria said the closure was reportedly announced during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State on August 1. The station had allegedly aired content critical of the Bago administration shortly before the order was issued.

“This arbitrary closure represents a clear violation of constitutionally protected press freedoms and is part of a troubling trend under the current administration,” IPI Nigeria stated.

The group cited previous incidents involving the harassment and intimidation of journalists in the state. These include the January 2025 detention of Yakubu Mustapha, a correspondent for People’s Daily and Chair of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Niger State, who was held for three days after allegedly circulating critical material about the governor’s media aide.

It also referenced a November 2023 report involving Mustapha Batsari, the Voice of America correspondent in Niger State, who was allegedly assaulted by a serving commissioner following his request for an interview about a farmer clash in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area.

IPI Nigeria said the Badegi FM suspension undermines constitutional guarantees provided in Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which protect press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to access information.

“If Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago fails to unconditionally reverse this illegal suspension within the next 48 hours, IPI Nigeria will be left with no choice but to include his name in our Book of Infamy,” the group warned.

The Book of Infamy, according to the Institute, is a register launched in April 2022 to name individuals whose actions lead to the suppression, harassment, or intimidation of the press in Nigeria. The list is shared with foreign embassies, international press freedom organisations, and human rights groups.

“Governor Bago’s administration must uphold the inalienable rights of the people of Niger State, including their rights to free expression, access to information, and freedom of the press,” the statement concluded.