The Benue State Government has shut down Joy FM 96.5 in Otukpo, Benue State, a radio station owned by former Senate President Dr. David Mark. The operation, described by witnesses as forceful, involved armed police officers who descended on the radio station.
The team, reportedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Sunday Odagba, and Ikwue Ikwue from the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, was said to have used significant force. According to reports, staff members were manhandled, and the station’s news broadcaster, Oloche Adeyi, was forced at gunpoint to halt the live news broadcast.
Amb. Christabel Iyanya, Managing Director of Joy FM and also the Deputy National Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), condemned the government’s actions vehemently. “They stormed the station, destroyed entrance doors, and evicted staff at gunpoint,” Iyanya stated, highlighting the harsh treatment of her staff, including the head of news and the receptionist. She was not present at the time, being away in Igumale.
The Benue State Government justified the raid by citing an outstanding debt of N150,000 for business premises fees. However, Iyanya refuted these claims, emphasizing the station’s long-standing compliance with financial obligations. “We were unaware of any debt. If we owed, we would have paid immediately. We’ve never defaulted in nearly two decades of operation,” she argued, suggesting a deeper, possibly political motive behind the government’s actions.
The incident has sparked a debate over the motives of the state government. Iyanya hinted at underlying issues, questioning whether this was truly about tax enforcement or something more sinister. “This is beyond tax. They must explain this. It stands condemned, and we will contest it,” she declared, signaling her intent to challenge the government’s actions legally.
This event has not gone unnoticed on social media platforms, where posts describe the operation as a “commando-style” raid, raising concerns about the use of armed forces in what should be a civil administrative action. Critics argue that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for media freedom in Nigeria.
As the situation unfolds, the focus will likely shift to legal proceedings, with Joy FM preparing to challenge the government’s actions in court. This incident could also lead to broader discussions on media rights, government overreach, and the need for clearer guidelines on how such enforcement actions should be conducted.
