Niger Govt, Badeggi FM Move to Resolve Shutdown Dispute Out of Court

The Niger State Government has opted for an out-of-court settlement with Badeggi FM Radio over its recent shutdown. Governor Mohammed Bago had ordered the station’s closure, accusing it of public incitement, and directed security agencies to profile its owner.

The move drew criticism from the media and civil society groups, prompting the station to sue the government at the Niger State High Court on August 5, 2025, to enforce its fundamental rights.

At Monday’s hearing in Minna, the state’s legal representative, Jacob Usman (SAN), said discussions with the plaintiffs’ counsel, Philip Emmanuel, led to an agreement to seek an amicable resolution “in the interest of peace and the people of Niger State.”

The court fixed September 3, 2025, for both parties to report the outcome of the settlement talks.