News
SIM-NIN: NCC Defends Blocking Of Phone Lines, Lawyer Slams N10bn Suit

A Lagos-based lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, on Monday filed a N10bn suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos against the Nigerian Communications Commission, its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communication Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, for alleged inconvenience, discomfort, injury and loss of business opportunities by Nigerians due to the blocking of their lines not linked to National Identification Number.
In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/363/2024, Ogungbeje asked for an order compelling the respondents to jointly tender a public apology to the applicant and other affected Nigerian citizens.
Other respondents in the suit are MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Airtel Networks Nigeria, Globacom Limited, and Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd(9Mobile).
The court had on February 22, 2024, granted an order restraining the respondents from barring, deactivating and or restricting any phone lines/SIMs of the applicant and other Nigerians.
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However, the NCC directed the telecommunications providers to bar telephone subscribers not linked to NIN on or before February 28, 2024.
NCC who said it was not part of the suit filed by the applicant insisted that the February 28 deadline given to telecom operators to bar subscribers who failed to link their SIMs to NIN, stands.
Ogungbeje is asking for a declaration that the action of barring, restricting and deactivating of his phone lines/SIMs and that of Nigerians by MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9Mobile upon the directive of NCC and Maida from February 28, till date despite a valid and subsisting order of court granted against the respondents is wrongful, illegal, unlawful, undemocratic, unconstitutional and prejudicial against his and other affected citizens fundamental rights to fair hearing.
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He seeks “An order setting aside the entire directive and all its consequential effects in connection with the subject matter of this suit by the first, and second Respondents to the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents having been made in gross violation of a valid and subsisting order of Court granted against the Respondents.
“An order compelling the respondents to jointly and severally to immediately activate, debar, unblock and unrestrict the applicant’s phone lines/SIMs and that of the affected Nigerian citizens forthwith.
“An order compelling the respondents to jointly and severally tender a public apology to the applicant and other affected Nigerian citizens and to pay the sum of N10bn as general and exemplary damages for the prejudicial, wrongful and unconstitutional action of the respondents and the inconvenience, damages and injury caused the Applicant and other affected Nigerian citizens in flagrant violation of a valid and subsisting order of Court.”
In an affidavit in support of the originating motion, Ogungbeje said, “To my utmost shock, on February 28, 2024, I woke up only to discover that my phone lines have been barred, deactivated and restricted by the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents based on the mere directive of first and second Respondents despite a subsisting order of court.
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“That act and action of the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents in barring, deactivating and restricting my phone lines and that of Nigerian citizens upon a mere directive by the first respondent without any order of the court and despite a valid and subsisting court order have caused me great loss of business opportunities, embarrassment, untold hardship, discomfort and inconvenience and hampered my business as a legal practitioner and a businessman,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Reuben Mouka, reacting said the commission has not been served but will ensure proper representation to defend its directive and actions.
Speaking in an interview, he said, “The commission has not received any notice on the new suit yet. In the previous one filed, we were not mentioned as respondents maybe that is why he is initiating another process which will go its normal course. If 10 people go to court today because they are barred, we have no choice but to follow them to court. If we are called to court, we will go there and defend ourselves and our actions.
“The National Identity Management Commission policy of SIM linkage is a policy of the federal government and it is a security issue and the operators are legally bound by this directive because it pertains to national security. They are also law-abiding organisations too.”
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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