The Niger State Government has opted for an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing legal battle involving Badeggi FM Radio Station, Minna.
At Monday’s hearing before the Niger State High Court, counsel to the defendants, Jacob Johnson Usman (SAN), told the court that discussions had been held with the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Barrister Philip Emmanuel, on resolving the matter amicably in the interest of peace and the welfare of residents.
Mr Usman said he had consulted key state officials, including the Governor of Niger State and the Attorney General, both of whom supported the decision to pursue a negotiated resolution.
Following these consultations, both parties agreed to settle the dispute outside the courtroom and fixed 3 September 2025 to update the court on the progress of the negotiations.
The development follows Justice Mohammed Mohammed’s ruling of 5 August 2025, granting an interim injunction in favour of the plaintiffs, Badeggi FM Station, Badeggi Broadcasting Service Ltd, and its Managing Director, Mohammed Shaibu Badeggi.
The order restrains the defendants, the Executive Governor of Niger State, the Attorney General, and the Urban Development Board, from taking any action that could affect the station’s broadcasting licence or its operations at the NTA premises in Uphill, Minna.
Barrister Emmanuel had filed the suit via an ex-parte motion, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the regulations of the National Broadcasting Commission.
The court’s decision, alongside the readiness of both parties to reach an agreement, marks a joint effort to safeguard public interest and maintain stability in Niger State’s media landscape.
