An attempt at an out-of-court settlement between the Niger State government and Badeggi FM radio station has collapsed, prompting the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, to step aside from the case.

Recall that the settlement attempt was initiated by the Niger State government, with its counsel, Jacob Johnson Usman SAN, informing the court in case number NSHC/M/0296/2025, filed on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, that the government had decided to pursue an amicable out-of-court resolution.

In view of this, both parties agreed to explore the option and were scheduled to report back to the court on September 3, 2025.

Usman had told the court at the time that he had informed the counsel for the plaintiffs, Philip Emmanuel, that he had discussed the matter with his clients, the Governor of Niger State and the Attorney General of Niger State, and that Emmanuel had agreed.

However, during the resumed hearing on September 3, Badeggi FM’s counsel, Philip Emmanuel, revealed that the negotiations between his clients and the state government had broken down.

According to him: “My Lord, it’s unfortunate that the out-of-court settlement as requested in the last sitting has failed.”

Another lawyer for the plaintiff, Philip A.O., confirmed the failed talks but noted that they were still exploring other options for an out-of-court resolution.

Given the breakdown of the settlement, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, a vacation judge of Minna High Court 4, recused himself from the case.

He directed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of Niger State for reassignment while adjourning the matter indefinitely until the Chief Judge decides on the next course of action.