SERAP, Editors Sue Niger State Governor, NBC Over Media Intimidation

By Diafa Doubra

The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Niger State Governor and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), accusing them of attempting to silence Badeggi FM, a local radio station. The groups allege that the station has faced threats and harassment after airing programmes critical of the state government.

Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suit seeks to stop what the plaintiffs describe as an attack on press freedom and the public’s right to information. SERAP and the NGE argue that the actions against Badeggi FM violate constitutional guarantees of free expression and a free press. The case is set to test Nigeria’s commitment to media independence at a time of growing concern over censorship and intimidation of journalists.