Nigeria, Aug. 3 -- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the shutting down of an independent media outlet, Badeggi Radio, Minna, on the order of Governor Umar Bago of Niger State.

In a statement signed by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the NBA said the governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment.

It said Mr Bago's action has no regulatory sanction or judicial backing, therefore, "It is a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance."

It called on the governor to "withdraw the order immediately," and refrain from further unlawful acts.

The Niger State government on Friday ordered the immediate shut...