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Confusion as telcos alert subscribers to NIN-SIM link irregularities
Confusion as telcos alert subscribers to NIN-SIM link irregularities
•NIMC offices besieged, ALTON rallies users
As expected, telecommunications operators have started messaging subscribers found to have SIM irregularities, especially those who have been properly linked with their National Identification Numbers (NINs).
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had ordered telecommunications operators in the country to completely block unlinked SIM to NIN by February 28. The operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile have been lettered to carry out the exercise as directed.
As of August 2023, The Guardian checks showed that the telecoms operators had 220 million subscriptions, of which MTN has 85 million; Glo, 61 million; Airtel, 60 million and 9mobile, 13 million.
The mandatory NIN-SIM Linkage scheme began in December 2020 as directed by the federal government. The telecoms operators have already lost over 20 million subscriptions as some subscribers abandoned their lines. However, operators, with several promo packages, including free airtime incentives, recovered some lines as more Nigerians registered for NIN.
However, findings showed that between 10 million and 12 million are yet to be recovered.
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Indeed, a message sent by Globacom to some of the affected subscribers on its network, reads: “Dear customer, your line will be disconnected! Your Glo line is not linked with your NIN as directed by NCC. To avoid immediate disconnection, visit the nearest Glo SIM outlet to re-register your line. Link your NIN today.”
A subscriber, Tara Obinna (not real name), told The Guardian that she got the message three times but “unfortunately, I have relocated abroad but still maintained the number. I remember that I registered the line and linked it with NIN before I travelled. Early in 2022 was the second time I linked the line to NIN. They sent an SMS that I had successfully linked my SIM to NIN.
“They messaged again, about two weeks ago, that it was not linked. I was shocked to get such a message, knowing full well that the process has always been cumbersome.”
In the new year, other telecoms operators, including MTN, Airtel and 9mobile are expected to inundate affected subscribers on their respective networks with the need to visit service centres for re-linking of their SIMs to NIN.
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Indeed, The Guardian gathered that a SIM could be barred on the following basis, computing errors during linking; integration errors from NIMC; incomplete registration; wrongful blockage; and biometrics gaps, among others.
Indeed, crowds were observed in the last week of December 2023 at NIMC offices, Alausa, Ikeja and Ikorodu, seeking to fix one thing or the order as regards their NIN. For some, it is to correct date of birth errors, some NIN validation and other registration.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has called on subscribers not to wait till February 28 before linking their SIMs to NIN.
Adebayo, who spoke with The Guardian, said telecoms operators would comply with the NCC directive.
He said despite the limited-service restriction, millions of subscribers have yet to submit their NINs for verification.
“The importance of the NIN cannot be overemphasized. It is crucial for a reliable and sustainable National Identity Management System in Nigeria. It enables economic inclusion and access to government services and helps address security concerns. Supporting the NIN initiative is necessary for a thriving digital economy and building a safer society. Therefore, our members are committed to implementing the directive as law-abiding corporate citizens who are highly supportive of the government’s objective to build a digital economy,” Adebayo stated.
Confusion as telcos alert subscribers to NIN-SIM link irregularities
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Boko Haram attacks military base in Adamawa
Boko Haram attacks military base in Adamawa
Terorist group, Boko Haram, on Friday launched a deadly attack on a military base in Waga Village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
According to a report by counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, troops of the Nigerian military Joint Task Force successfully repelled the attack .
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“The attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Friday when suspected terrorists launched an assault on the base. However, the troops swiftly responded, forcing the insurgents to retreat,” the report said.
It was also gathered that there were no casualties among security personnel or residents of the community, and normalcy has since been restored.
Boko Haram attacks military base in Adamawa
metro
Oluwo accuses Ooni of plotting to dethrone him
Oluwo accuses Ooni of plotting to dethrone him
A quiet but bruising war is raging between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over alleged dethronement plots.
Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi was seeking his downfall despite playing a prominent role in his emergence as the Ooni of Ife.
He stated that the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan at a tender age.
Oluwo recalled how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, then a close ally of Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.
He said: “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me.
Oluwo recalled how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, then a close ally of Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.
He said: “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me.
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“He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired.
“He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilise my territory.
“He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, that I am discouraging deity worship.
“He was one of those who used my former wife against me.
“He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come true.
“No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.
“He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret. His cohorts that tried it in the past failed.”
However, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking through his Director of Media, Otunba Moses Olafare, denied the allegations raised by Oluwo.
He said: “Oba Adeyeye has been ordained as a king from heaven, regardless of who does what. He is a king with God on his side.
“When Oluwo wanted to be king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.
“At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything they feel is good for them.”
Oluwo accuses Ooni of plotting to dethrone him
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Lagos man stabs security guard for stopping his sex romp
Lagos man stabs security guard for stopping his sex romp
A 33-year-old man, Otobong Enyietim Akpan, has been arrested and remanded in prison for allegedly stabbing a security guard, Adamu Muhammed, in the neck and head with a knife after being prevented from having sex with his girlfriend at a security post in Lekki, Lagos.
According to the police, the incident occurred on 2 March, 2025, when Akpan took his girlfriend to the security post at 35B, Land Bridge Avenue, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, intending to engage in sexual activity.
However, the security guard refused, stating that the post was not a hotel.
Enraged by the rejection, Akpan reportedly threatened to kill Muhammed and left the scene, only to return moments later.
In a violent outburst, he allegedly pulled a knife from his trousers and stabbed the security man multiple times, leaving him bleeding profusely from the neck and head.
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Residents who witnessed the attack overpowered the suspect and restrained him while others rushed the injured guard to a hospital.
A distress call was placed to the Maroko Police Division, leading to Akpan’s swift arrest.
Akpan was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, on one count of causing grievous bodily harm—a crime punishable under Section 245 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Police prosecutor Reuben Solomon told the court that the accused attacked the security guard with a knife after being denied access to use the post for sexual activity.
Akpan pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate N.S. Wahab granted him ₦500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
However, he was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned to 28 March 2025 for mention.
Lagos man stabs security guard for stopping his sex romp
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