The Niger State Government has approached the state high court to seek an out-of-court settlement with Badeggi FM Radio over the station’s shutdown.
Governor Mohammed Bago had accused Badeggi Radio of public incitement during an All Progressives Congress meeting in Minna, where he ordered the closure of the station.
He also directed the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello, to profile the station’s owner. The shutdown order was issued on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The move drew condemnation from the media and civil society, including Amnesty International, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
In response, Badeggi Radio sued the Niger State Government, challenging the order.
Counsel for the station, Barrister Philip Emmanuel, filed a case before a Minna High Court on August 5 to enforce the station’s fundamental right to operate freely.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel for the defendants, Jacob Usman (SAN), informed the court that both parties were exploring an amicable resolution.
“I have had a discussion with my clients, the Governor of Niger State and the Attorney General of Niger State, that we need to resolve the matter, and they agreed,” Usman said.
“And the counsel for the plaintiffs also agreed that the matter should be resolved in the best interest of his clients. We have informed the court as such. We have taken a date for 3rd of September 2025 to report on our out-of-court settlement,” he told newsmen shortly after the court session.
When asked what relief Badeggi Radio sought from the settlement, the station’s counsel said the plaintiffs wanted the court to restrain the government from interfering in its legitimate business.
Earlier, Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Minna High Court had granted an interim injunction in favour of the plaintiffs and the station’s Managing Director, Mohammed Baddegi, restraining the defendants from carrying out the shutdown order.
