Muhammad Sanusi II, the deposed emir of Kano, said he could have reclaimed his throne if he wanted, adding that his ” dethronement letter was so badly written.”

Sanusi was dethroned as the Emir of Kano on Monday by Governor Ganduje who was the accuser and the judge of alleged insubordination.

He was subsequently banished to Loko and later Awe, both in Nasarawa state.

Sanusi, however, returned to Lagos on Friday following a court order granting him freedom.

VIDEO: I don’t want to go back, says #Sanusi
Video Credit: Ibrahim Adam pic.twitter.com/uUeUHvOtB1

— TheCable (@thecableng) March 14, 2020

In a video circulating on social media, Sanusi revealed the dethronement letter sent by the Kano government was poorly written and it would have been easy for him to proceed to the court to challenge it.

“I have done what I could in six years, I’m moving on. I don’t want to go back. The truth is, if I had wanted to go back, the dethronement letter was so badly written, it was not done professionally. The easiest thing is just to go to court,” he said.

“It’s simple, fair hearing, ‘did you query him? Did you ask him to defend himself? Did you even call him to ask him any question?’ That’s all but I think we should go on to a new phase in life.”

Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta has welcomed a baby girl with his wife Olaide Aishat better known as Lizzy Berry.

The excited actor shared the good news on his Instagram page.

View this post on Instagram

AlhamduliLlah... And it's a Girl

A post shared by Ibrahim Chatta (@ibrahimchatta_lordthespis) on Mar 13, 2020 at 5:45am PDT

The actor posted a photo of him holding his cute baby girl, with the caption; “Alhamdulillah… And it’s a Girl.”

The couple welcomed their first child in 2017.

Ibrahim got married to Lizzy Berry in October, 2016 making it the third time he has tied the knot with different ladies.

His first marriage was to Olayinka Solomon, which ended some years ago, then he married the daughter of the former governor of Kwara state, Shaaba Lafiaji, Salamatu, which did not also last long.

Ibrahim Chatta is an Indigene of Kwara state and also from a polygamous hime. Prior to fame, he worked as a bus conductor where he struggled to meet his needs.

Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo popularly called Omoburty is one of the happiest mothers on earth today. The actress is celebrating the birthday of her daughter, Victoria Boluwatife.

Raising a child when you have a spouse is tough but when you have to do it alone, it can be more challenging. Single parents experience unique challenges and joys with raising their children.

And for Omoburty, a single mother of two, she is beyond happy to have a daughter who is now grown up. As expected, the film star took to her social media page to acknowledge her daughter’s big day.

The Yoruba actress had been sharing videos of her and her daughter prior to her big day. In the mood of celebration, Omoburty took to her social media page to share a throwback video of when her daughter was still a young child.

In the video she posted on her Instagram page, the actress’ daughter was seen dancing to a song by singer Flavour N’abania. The actress also shared a beautiful photo of her and her daughter to celebrate her new age.

View this post on Instagram

Please join me say “Happiest birthday to my darling daughter” Mummy loves you Ife mi❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Biodun Sofuyi Okeowo (@realomoborty) on Mar 12, 2020 at 4:49pm PDT

Expressing gratitude to God, Omoburty said He made her pull through in raising her kids. According to her, she is still pushing. She told God to continue to help her in raising her children.

The excited actress also reiterated her love for her child, but despite being a young adult, she noted that she cannot have her personal Instagram page yet.

In another post, Okeowo showered prayers on her daughter. She prayed that she would not deviate from the good path she is treading as a young girl.

Worried by the spate of insecurity in the country, followers of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, religious movement otherwise known as ‘Olumba Olumba’ have converged on Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a national peace march slated for Saturday, March 14.

The spokesman of the religious movement, Mr. Edet Achibong told newsmen during a briefing that the march is part of a weeklong programme of the organization tagged “Abuja 2020”.

Achibong said: “an estimated number of about five thousand participants from Africa, Europe, North America, The Caribbean, South America and Asia will be attending.

He added that: “With the menace of insurgency, kidnappings, armed robbery, inter-tribal wars and a host of other security concerns, most Nigerians are yearning for peace which will come from the eradication of these societal challenges.

“The Abuja Evangelical Peace March is aimed at seeking the face of God to instill peace in the entire Nigeria.

“And to draw the attention of Nigerians to the fact that, the giver of peace is physically in Nigeria.

“Though God is present with us here, we have to identify him and present our problems before him to obtain the needed solutions”.

The religious body also preached peace and love as the only solution to the challenges facing the country.

He said: “The way out is to practice the teachings on love brought by the Holy Spirit Personified, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu and to surrender all thrones and dominions, for the owner of the world and Giver of peace has arrived”.

It also warned that for Nigeria to move forward: “Religious and ethnic bigotry, ethnic sentiments and discrimination should be done away with.

“We should have love for one another irrespective of religion, ethnicity, social status or gender.

“If we have love for one another there will be no stealing, no kidnappings, no defrauding, no killings, no embezzlement of funds and no favouritism, in fact all vices will disappear.”

Edo State government has withdrawn the operational licence of Famous Faithland Orphanage Home, over involvement in the selling of a baby girl for over N1.7 million.

Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Maria Edeko, who led other officials of the ministry and security personnel to the controversial facility, on Friday served the letter of notice to the orphanage located at 9, Osarenren Street, beside Deeper Life Bible Church, in Ohovbe Quarters, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin.

Operatives of Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking had on Wednesday rescued baby Deborah, a victim of human trafficking and illegal adoption, who was sold by a 45-year-old woman, Maureen Ekuase, to 63-year-old Grace Idehen, for over N1.7 million.

While addressing journalists on Friday in Benin, the commissioner stated that the state government frowned on all forms of human trafficking and abuse, noting that children are gifts from God and should never be traded as commodities.

She noted that the major challenges faced by the ministry border on issues of child development as it related to adoption, allegation of sale and trafficking of children.

Edeko said: “Famous Faithland Home has been implicated in alleged sale of children. Since the report came, we started investigating the matter and today (Friday), the Edo State government has withdrawn the temporary licence granted to the orphanage. The orphanage has not operated within the confines of the law. The 17 children in the home are being relocated to a safe place.

“The Governor of Edo State is passionate about vulnerable persons, especially children. The state government is also working within the mandate and vision of the governor to train managers of orphanage homes in the state on how to operate the centres.”

The commissioner also assured that Edo government would continue to monitor the operations of orphanage homes and those found not to be suitable for the children would be shut down.

She added: “No child under the watch of Governor Godwin Obaseki will be trafficked, abused or sold. Anyone that wants to do otherwise should be ready to face the law. Orphanage homes should not be seen as a place to make money.”

Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Embalo was received at the fore court of the presidential villa by the Nigerian leader at about 11.05 a.m.

The two leaders immediately went into closed door to discuss issues concerning both countries as well as regional and continental matters.

Embalo, candidate of the Movement for Democratic Alternation, who obtained 53.5 per cent of the votes during the country’s presidential election runoff held on Dec. 29, 2019, was reported to have sworn in himself on Feb. 27, 2020.

A local media outfit had reported that,“the ceremony took place despite a continuing legal and political battle over the official results”

In his inaugural speech, Embalo, who had visited Nigeria twice before his swearing in, pledged to fight against corruption, drug trafficking and nepotism, and to promote “national reconciliation”.

A political commentator, who preferred not to be named, said Friday’s visit of the Guinea Bissau’s President to Nigeria and his subsequent meeting with President Buhari “is a clear recognition of Embalo’s Presidency by Nigerian Government in spite of the ongoing political crisis surrounding his election”.

Muhammadu Sanusi II, dethroned Emir of Kano has left Awe, Nasarawa State to Lagos enroute Abuja.

The former Emir, who was removed from the throne on Monday had been held in Awe, amidst tight security.

On Friday, Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his release from confinement.

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who had given to plum job to the deposed Emir, visited him in Awe earlier today and is leaving with him to Lagos enroute Abuja.

A statement from Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna on Friday, said: ‘’The Governor who drove from Abuja to Awe town, met His Highness in high spirits, demonstrating his usual calm, poise and regal bearing amidst what has befallen in the last four days.‘’

The statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, said: “Governor Nasir El Rufai visited his long- time friend, ideological soul mate and confidante, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, as a mark of solidarity over his temporary travails at Awe town in Nasarawa State.

‘’His Highness seems to have taken all that happened in his stride but has reiterated his commitment to enforce his fundamental human rights.

‘’Sanusi II, the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano, manifested a renewed vigour to continue serving humanity in his life- long efforts to expand the frontiers of knowledge and to campaign against unworthy timid ignorance that has shackled Nigeria as a perpetual potentially great nation,’’ he said.

According to the Special Adviser, El Rufai arrived Awe town shortly before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had granted an interim order, releasing Sanusi from detention.

Adekeye said that El Rufai and His Highness later drove to the mosque where the latter led the Jumma’at prayer, adding that hundreds of well- wishers lined up the road of Awe to hail His Highness on his way to the mosque and back to his residence.

The statement further said that the duo rode in El Rufai’s car to Abuja, from where Sanusi II will proceed to Lagos.

UPDATE

Muhammadu Sanusi II has now put the horrors of the past five days behind him as he landed in Lagos in a private jet at 11.35pm on Friday.

It was a relieving climax for a day that began with the visit of Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Sanusi’s leading the Friday prayer in Awe and his speaking about his dethronement philosophically.

Then came the order from a Federal High Court in Abuja asking his captors to release him immediately.

Nigerian singer Paul Play who has been off the music scene for a long time returns with the remake of his record dubbed “Angel Of My Life.” as he joins forces with the highly acclaimed sound god, Runtown.

Paul Play x Runtown – 00:31
— paul play

The office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has announced the death of one of the police escort riders in his convoy, Inspector Ali Gomina, aged 45.

“Gomina was involved in a road accident while on official duty today”, Laolu Akande the SSA Media to Osinbajo said..

“The accident occurred on the road to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Vice President, who is greatly saddened by this occurrence, has aborted the trip.

“The Vice President described Gomina as a diligent, hardworking and serious-minded officer who will be greatly missed by the team. He is survived by his wife, children and relatives.

There was a moment of panic in Kebbi today as President Muhammadu Buhari’s security was breached by a young man who moved briskly and menacingly towards him while taking photograph with host Governor Atiku Bagudu and Jigawa governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

How the security men missed the intruder was unclear as he leapt out of the crowd watching the photo session. Did he want his own photo-op with the president?

The struggle to save President Buhari from the man

He was inches away when there was a panicky effort to safe the president from the intruder.

In a statement Thursday night, Presidential adviser, Femi Adesina said it was not an attempted attack by the man, against the president. He explained what happened:

“President Muhammadu Buhari was in Kebbi State Thursday to declare open the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival. It was the first time the international tourism event would hold in eleven years, as security considerations had rendered it impracticable.

“As the President went round the arena to inspect rice pyramids on display, and take photographs with farmers, a young man was so very excited to see his President so close. He made an attempt to get to him.

“World over, such would not be allowed by security details. The young man was prevented, and he protested that he should be allowed to greet his President. Now, professional contortionists are making mischief of the event. They are passing the video clip off on social media as an attempt to attack the President.

“Malicious people always twist things to give a negative narrative. But they simply dash their heads against the wall. The country moves on”.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus as the pandemic continues to rock the sporting world.

The 37 year-old former Arsenal captain was the first to be announced to have the bug, days after the team members were asked to self-isolate , following their interaction with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who tested positive for the virus after visiting the Emirates during the 27 February Europa League match with Olympiacos.

A number of Arsenal players met Marinaki after the game.

Arteta revealed he took the test and will now be put in quarantine in a bid to limit the spread.

Arteta added he hopes to be back “as soon as allowed” after becoming the latest name in football to be struck down by the illness.

“This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly.I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed, ”he said.

Marinaki’s testing positive was the reason that led the Premier League to postpone Arsenal’s game against Manchester City on Wednesday.

In a statement, Arsenal said they have closed their London Colney training ground after the Arteta positive result.

“Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening.

“Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution.

We expect those who did not have close contact with Mikel to return to work in the coming days. In the meantime our Colney and Hale End training centres will undergo a deep clean and our other club sites are operating as normal.

Managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: “The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is. Our thoughts are with Mikel who is disappointed but in good spirits. We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows.”

Head of football Raul Sanllehi added: “Mikel and the full first-team squad, players and staff, will be fully supported, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows. Obviously Mikel’s full recovery is the priority now for us all.”

“We will work with Public Health England on the next steps in regard to our facilities and staff, and with the Premier League, Football Association and relevant clubs around our forthcoming matches in the Premier League and Emirates FA Cup.

“It is clear we will not be able to play some fixtures on their currently scheduled dates. We will update supporters who have tickets for forthcoming games with more information as soon as possible.

“We are now working to trace any other people who have had recent close contact with Mikel. We will let them know what has happened and they should follow the NHS guidance which is likely to recommend self-isolation”.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has cleared the family of four children and their teacher who came in from the United States and were in close proximity with someone infected with #COVID19.

In a tweet today, the ministry said all the five tested negative to the pandemic virus.

It was earlier reported that six individuals, that comprises of a family of four children and their teacher who came into Nigeria from the United States, and were believed to have been in close proximity with someone suspected to be infected with the disease prior to their trip, and a traveller from the United Kingdom who showed certain symptoms associated with the disease.

The government said that at the moment, the state has only 2 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

“We have been testing suspected cases of #COVID19 and so far all have been negative except for the two”, it said.

Goverment also announced its plans to flood the market with hand sanitizer, deploring the current profiteering by retailers.

“As Lagosians, let’s continue to demonstrate responsibility, responsiveness, solidarity and support in the fight to break the circle of infection”, it said.

A 27-year-old trader, Bilikisu Musa, was arraigned before Ikeja Magistrates Court on Thursday for beating up her 12-year-old son with an electric wire and injuring him on the head.

The prosecution counsel, Insp. Ishola Samuel, charged the defendant with assault whilst explaining to the court that Musa committed the offence on Feb. 29 at her residence. He alleged that the defendant beat up her 12-year-old son with an electric wire and injured him on the head for misplacing her memory card.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Sections 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which stipulates a three-year jail term for assault.

She, however, pleaded not guilty.

The presiding magistrate, Folashade Hughes admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N20, 000 with one surety in like sum.‎ She then adjourned the case until April 29 for mention.

Nollywood actress, Adebimpe Oyebade has denied having an affair or fling with her colleague, Lateef Adedimeji because he is not her type of man.

The actress disclosed this in a recent interview with BroadwayTV.

In her words, ”I am not in a relationship with Lateef Adedimeji, but we are friends. I won’t deny the fact that we are friends, we are close friends. We are not in a relationship; we are both in different relationships.

“When you are too close to the opposite sex, it’s a problem. People think you are dating. Lateef is only the one that is close to me, I am not the kind that makes a lot of friends when it comes to the industry”. She added

"Lateef Adedimeji Is Not My Type Of Man" Actress Mo Bimpe Breaks Table – 05:50
— BroadwayNolly TV

Speaking on the reason she cannot date Lateef, she said; “The problem started with the fans, they call us ‘Momma and Zaddy’.

“A lot of fans like us together; they want us to be together. He is a good man, I already see him as a family. I won’t want to be with someone I see as a family. Nothing can ever happen between us because I cannot marry someone in the spotlight.

“I would say no to Lateef if he asks me out because he is my friend and I already see him as a brother. He is not my type”, she added.

Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, ACVPN, led by Comrade Ebenezer Omajalile has called on the Police at Zone D Command, Mushin, Lagos, to unravel those behind the defilement of of a 4-year old mentally challenged girl inside the school premises.

According to P.M.EXPRESS the incident happened at Spring School located at Mukandasi Street, Okota area of Lagos, where the victim was registered as a pupil by her parents.

So far, five members of the School staff including the security guards have been summoned and undergoing interrogations over the alleged assault on the helpless 4-year old victim.

It was alleged that one of the staff of the school was said to have been sacked by the School Management after the parents of the victim complained.
The School Management was said to have refused to disclosed the identity of the staff sacked or if the sack had to do with the defilement of the victim.
According to her mother, she brought the little girl to the school in the morning on the day the incident happened, handed over her to the school management and left for work.

She said that she went back to the school to take her home and the little girl complained that her private part and anus were paining her. The mother then checked and discovered that it has been tempered. Obviously, the predator may have used fingers to molest the victim.
She was subsequently taken to the Mirabel Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, where it was confirmed that her private parts was tampered with and the School Management was said to have refused to bring forward the person behind the act.

The matter was initially reported to the Okota Police Division but was transferred to the Gender Section of Zone D Command, Mushin, in line with the State Command’s directive to transfer such cases to the Command or SCIID, Panti, Lagos.

When P.M.EXPRESS reporter visited the school, the Management as headed by head teachers declined to speak and did not give reasons they refused to tell the Police what really happened and why they sacked their staff.
When the Gender Section handling the matter was contacted, they declined to speak. However, sources at the Command said that the matter may likely be transferred to SCIID at Panti for further investigation.

ACVPN Coordinator, Comrade Ebenezer Omajalile, said that the little girl needs justice and the Police owe her duty to ensure that the predator was arrested and charged before the Court for justice.

Source: PM Express

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Maiduguri Zonal Office, on March 10, 2020 arraigned one Muhammed Yusuf before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a one-count charge for criminal misappropriation.

His journey to the dock began after Hussaini Yusuf, petitioned the EFCC accusing Yusuf of defrauding him of N4.8million in a business deal they both agreed to. He alleged that he supplied Yusuf with a trailer load of Spaghetti (Dangote brand) worth N8,600,000 to enable the defendant execute a contract for the Bauchi State school feeding programme.

Investigation conducted by the EFCC revealed that shortly after the execution of the said contract, Yusuf refused to pay Hussaini a balance of N4.8million, even after been fully paid for the contract.

The count reads: “That you, Muhammed Abdullahi Yusuf sometime in October 2018 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit; a trailer load of Spaghetti (Dangote Brand) worth N8,600,000.00 (Eight Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira) by Hussaini Yusuf of Ibrahus Enterprises being supply for the execution of contract for school feeding in Bauchi State, did dishonestly misappropriate the sum of N4,800,000.00 (Four Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) out of the said value of the trailer load of Spaghetti and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap. 102 of Borno State of Nigeria, and punishable under Section 312 of the same Law.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.

In view of his plea, counsel for the EFCC, H. Inusa asked the court for a date to commence trial, in order for the prosecution to prove its case against the defendant.

Defence counsel, B.G. Mustapha, however, made an oral application for the bail of the defendant, citing his health condition, and equally prayed for his remand in the EFCC.

While adjourning to March 25, 2020 for commencement of trial, Justice Fadawu ordered that he should be remanded in the EFCC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Office on March 10, 2020 secured the conviction of one Abdulrasheed Imam (aka Aljanun Da woru) for offences bordering on cheating and impersonation to the tune of N1,895,000 (One Million Eight Hundred and Ninety-five Thousand Naira).

He was arraigned on a two-count charge before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court.

He pleaded “guilty” to the charges.

In respect of his guilty plea, counsel for the EFCC, E.K. Garba urged the Court to sentence him, according to the tenets of the law.

Defence counsel, M.B. Usman, however, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as his client was a first-time offender.

“He is remorseful and has promised not to indulge in any criminal offence again,” Usman said.

Justice Khobo thereafter, sentenced the convict to four months imprisonment, with a fine of N150,000.

“This sentence is to serve as a deterrent and punishment for the offences he committed knowingly,” the judge held, and warned him not to indulge in any further act of criminality.

It would be recalled that Imam was arrested and prosecuted for defrauding one Arc. Mohammed, of the sum of N3million and $24,000. He has however, made refunds.

The Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers (ATCIS) on Tuesday (10/03/220) has assured of its readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to promote the rights, interests and welfare of the ever-growing telecoms subscribers in Nigeria.

Speaking through its President, Prince Sina Bilesanmi, at a meeting with NCC in Abuja, the group said that since one of the agenda of the Commission is promoting subscriber's satisfaction, it was poised to advance a mutually-beneficial relationship with the Commission on all fronts, with respect to the protection of the over 185 million subscribers under its watch.

“We believe that working together, we will also bring the regulator closer to its core stakeholders (consumers) and make demands occasionally on behalf of the consumers. We believe this is a quicker way of getting to the regulator and to bridge the communication gap and promote co-operation,” said Bilesanmi.

Bilesanmi also appealed to NCC to try to reduce tariffs of data and voice services, and to ensure affordable and reliable Internet service for subscribers. The advocacy group also appeal to the Commission to ensure there is no automatic fix charge and non-charges for drop calls.

The group also request NCC to make MNOs to grant subscribers voice and data-free day every Independence Day (October 1) in Nigeria, as a way of appreciating the consumers, who are the important stakeholders of the telecoms industry.

Responding, the NCC said, though the demands brought forward by ATCIS to the Commission are multidimensional, it was ready to collaborate with any stakeholder that offer suggestions that may move the industry forward. He stressed that industry collaboration is part of the Commission’s 8-Point Agenda.

“We are all stakeholders and subscribers in the industry. Despite some challenges, we are always working with the operators to improve the quality of service,” said Hafsat Lawal, Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, who led the NCC’s team to receive ATCIS delegation on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta.

Lawal also stressed that the issue of quality of service (QoS) is a function of many factors, some of which are environmental. For instance, it is doubtful if "any operator will deliberately wish its consumers experience poor network or drop call on its network because those issues will affect the revenue of the operator."

The challenges, according to her, have to do with vandalism of telecom infrastructure and closure of base stations by communities where telecom installations such as base stations and fibre optic cables are sited or laid respectively.

Lawal also told the ATCIS that its request for collaboration will be conveyed to NCC Management for review and necessary action.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emerged the best public sector regulatory organisation as it receives the ‘2019 Outstanding Regulator of the Year Award’ at this year’s edition of Independent Awards.

The award was presented to the Commission at a colourful ceremony held on Friday (07/03/2020) at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, received the award on behalf of NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta.

Receiving the award amidst a loud ovation, Nkemadu appreciated the organizers of the Award for adjudging the Commission as deserving such recognition.

Nkemadu said the award was a testament to the untiring efforts of the Commission in creating an enabling environment for all telecom stakeholders. He said the award is also a call for the Commission to do more for the consumers.

The NCC Director of Public Affairs restated the commitment of the Commission to continually strive towards its goals of ensuring high quality of service for the consumers. He declared that the Commission will put in place well-monitored measures toward protecting telecom consumers and consolidating the gains of the Nigerian telecoms sector.

“By our records, all improperly-registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards across Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria have been completely deactivated,” the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has said.

The Commission’s efforts in this regard is in line with one of the key agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to strengthen security of lives and property for all Nigerians.

The EVC said, over the years, the NCC has tenaciously worked with determination and through various policy initiatives, to rid mobile networks of improperly or invalidly-registered SIM cards to ensure that all the current over 184 million registered SIM cards/mobile lines across MNOs’ networks have valid data that are traceable and not anonymous.”

Danbatta, who spoke at the weekend in Abuja, said “our efforts received a boost, following the implementation of a September 12, 2019 Ministerial directive that the NCC should compel service providers to block all improperly-registered SIM cards, pending when their owners regularise their registration.”

As at the time the Ministerial order was issued, the Commission, through its Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement team, had reduced the number of improperly-registered SIM cards on mobile networks in the country to 9.2 million.

As part of the Commission’s ongoing regulatory interventions such as the setting up of the SIM Registration Industry Task Force, which led to several resolutions including the Industry Working Group (IWG) on harmonisation of SIM registration process with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure a clean SIM database, the Commission had, in June 2019, commenced the second round of comprehensive verification audit of MNOs’ SIM card registrations. This audit exercise was concluded in August 2019.

The audit was specifically to ensure strict adherence by telecom operators to the provisions of the Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulations 2011.

Following the September 2019 Ministerial directive, however, the NCC, within a week, intensified efforts by reducing the number of improperly-registered SIM cards from 9.2 million to 2.2 million.

“We have since initiated the second phase of SIM deactivation based on the Ministerial directive and as at today, we have completely deactivated the remaining 2.2 million lines on the networks. This is contrary to reports by a section of the media, suggesting that nothing has been done with respect to the issue of improperly-registered SIM cards,” he said.

The EVC assured all stakeholders that the Commission will continue to aggressively pursue the national objectives of delivering an accurate database of telephone subscribers in Nigeria, stating that the SIM data submitted to the Commission is constantly being validated for higher efficiency to support the national security objectives of the SIM registration exercise through NCC’s zero tolerance for deviations from the proper registration process.

“I also use this opportunity to restate the Commission’s commitment to the periodic SIM data audit, continuous compliance monitoring exercise on the MNOs, as well as constant consumer education and engagement against using improperly-registered SIM cards. With this, we would be able to, collectively, address national security concerns, especially kidnappings, banditry, armed robberies, cattle rustling and other crimes associated with SIM cards across the nation and to ensure that all SIM cards are traceable to their real owners,” he added.