Nigeria: SERAP, NGE Drag Niger Gov, NBC to Court Over Badeggi FM Station Intimidation

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the intimidation of Minna-based radio station Badeggi FM.

According to the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Governor Bago recently directed security operatives to seal Badeggi FM, threatening to revoke its license, demolish the station’s premises, and profile its owner, Shuiabu Badeggi. The allegations against the station are reportedly vague and unsubstantiated.

SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine whether the NBC has a duty to protect Badeggi FM from the ongoing intimidation. They argue that the NBC’s failure to defend the station’s independence constitutes a breach of its statutory duty to ensure fair and lawful broadcasting practices.

The organizations are seeking a declaration that the NBC is obligated to protect Badeggi FM and other broadcasting outlets from undue interference. They are also seeking an order restraining the NBC and Governor Bago from harassing, intimidating, or threatening to revoke the station’s license.

SERAP and NGE argue that the ongoing intimidation and threats against Badeggi FM violate the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom. They contend that a free and independent media is essential for democracy, and that journalists should be able to report on public issues without fear of reprisal.

The suit highlights the importance of protecting media freedom and the rights of journalists in Nigeria. SERAP and NGE argue that intimidating, harassing, and silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns is a fundamental breach of constitutional oath of office and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

The case has not yet been scheduled for hearing.

The lawsuit filed by SERAP and NGE against Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) highlights the importance of protecting media freedom and the rights of journalists in Nigeria. The case centers around the intimidation of Minna-based radio station Badeggi FM, which faces threats of shutdown, license revocation, and demolition of its premises over allegations of inciting violence.

Key Issues:

• Media Freedom: The lawsuit underscores the need to protect media freedom and the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal.
• International Human Rights Obligations: Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, emphasize the protection of freedom of expression.
• National Broadcasting Commission’s Role: The NBC has a statutory duty to protect broadcasting outlets from undue interference and ensure fair and lawful broadcasting practices ¹ ².

Implications:

• The case has significant implications for media freedom and the rights of journalists in Nigeria, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
• The outcome may set a precedent for the protection of media freedom and the rights of journalists in similar cases.

Relevant Laws:

• Nigerian Constitution: Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression and the press.
• National Broadcasting Commission Act: Section 2(1)(t) of the NBC Act mandates the commission to ensure fair, independent, and lawful broadcasting practices.
• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Article 9 of the charter protects the right to freedom of expression.