Amnesty International, a prominent human rights organisation, has condemned the planned demolition of Badeggi FM Radio by the Niger State ...
Amnesty International, a prominent human rights organisation, has condemned the planned demolition of Badeggi FM Radio by the Niger State Government, describing the move as unlawful and a direct attack on press freedom.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had earlier instructed the State Commissioners of Police and Homeland Security to shut down the radio station, accusing it of inciting the public against the government. The Governor also ordered the revocation of the station’s licence and the profiling of its owner.
The government’s decision has triggered widespread criticism and public concern.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, Amnesty International denounced the shutdown of Badeggi FM and the plan to demolish its building. The group called the action an attack on media freedom and shared a video showing officials marking the building for demolition.
The accompanying caption on the video read: “Niger State Governor Umar Bago has just sent a squad that marked the building of Badeggi FM 90.1 Minna for demolition. This unlawful and repressive move to not only shut down the radio station but also demolish its building is unlawful and must be halted.”
Amnesty International further accused the Governor of abusing his position, stating: “Niger State Governor is abusing his office by manipulating ‘non-compliance with land administration laws’ to shut down an independent radio station. This is an attack on media freedom.”
The human rights group insisted that such actions threaten freedom of expression and democratic accountability and demanded an immediate halt to the planned demolition.
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