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NIN-SIM linkage: Court bars MTN others from deactivating subscribers’ lines
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NIN-SIM linkage: Court bars MTN others from deactivating subscribers’ lines
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained telecommunication operators in Nigeria from deactivating or barring any line or sim which has not been linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) by their subscribers.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled while ruling on a suit filed by a lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, seeking to stop the move that infringed on his fundamental rights.
Ogungbeje, in a suit numbered FHC/L/CS/667/23, joined the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Networks Nigeria Limited as respondents.
Specifically, the lawyer had asked the court for an injunction pending appeal, restraining all the respondents jointly or severally, whether by themselves or their agents. Outlets, agencies, privies, officials, servants, men, parastatals, units, organs, or anybody or person, however so called, from taking any step or action capable of enforcing the judgment in any way and from further outright barring, deactivating and or restricting any SIM cards or his phone Lines, or of any Nigerian Citizen, slated for February 28, 2024, or any other scheduled date, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal at the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, against the judgment of this Honourable Court delivered on May 8, 2023.
At the court’s last sitting, the judge was informed that none of the respondents had filed their counter to the motion to the suit.
However, after the applicant had moved his application, a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice pleaded with the court that he needed more time to respond to the motion.
The applicant vehemently opposed the application because all parties were served with all the processes and the hearing notice in the matter but failed to file counters.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa, in his ruling after perusing the court file acceded to the lawyer’s request and restrained the telecom operators in the country from barring, deactivating and or restricting any SIM cards or his phone Lines or of any Nigerian Citizen stated for 28 of February 2024.
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Justice Lewis-Allagoa also ruled that his order subsists till the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by the lawyer.
Ogungbeje had informed the court that his motion on notice is premised under Order 26 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019; Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); Section 6 (6)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
He listed ten grounds for seeking the application, which include; “That sometimes in April 2022, the Appellant/Applicant herein took out an Originating Summons against the Respondents challenging the action of the Respondents in undermining the judicial powers of the Court and the Nigerian legal system and thus infringing on the applicant’s fundamental rights.
“That this Honourable Court, in a well-considered Judgment delivered on the 8th of May 2023, dismissed the appellant/applicant originating summons.
“The appellant/applicant, dissatisfied with the Judgment, has exercised his constitutional right of appeal by lodging a Notice of Appeal against the Judgment of this Honourable Court on the 26th of July 2023 by the lower Court.
“That the Appellant/applicant’s appeal is against the whole decision contained in the Judgment of this Honourable Court.
“That the Respondents are aware of the appellant/applicant’s appeal to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria as the Respondents have since been duly served with the Appellant/Applicant’s Notice of Appeal.
“That despite the pendency of the appellant/applicant’s appeal, efforts are in top gear by the respondents, specifically on the 28th of February 2024, to ensure further and outright barring, deactivating and restricting of SIM cards and Phone lines of the Applicant and that of Nigerian citizens.
“That the appellant/applicant appeal to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria “has a high degree of success against the Respondents
“There is the need to preserve the rest subject matter of the appeal pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant appeal at the Court of Appeal of Nigeria.
“That the appellant/applicant is desirously interested in diligently pursuing the instant appeal that has raised a novel and recondite issue substantially jurisprudential constituting an exceptional circumstance in which this Honourable Court can grant an application of this nature.
“That the Court has the power and jurisdiction to grant application of this nature in the interest of Justice,” he stated.
NIN-SIM linkage: Court bars MTN others from deactivating subscribers’ lines
News
INEC uncovers plan to disrupt Edo elections using ESSN operatives
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INEC uncovers plan to disrupt Edo elections using ESSN operatives
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed plans to use members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) to disrupt the September 21 governorship elections.
He stated this on Thursday during his appearance before the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
Prof. Yakubu also expressed worries about the security of lives and property during the upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states.
He noted not only the strain on state resources but also the issue of incumbency being exploited by governors to the disadvantage of opposition parties and their candidates.
Speaking specifically on Edo elections Prof. Yakubu said despite the challenge of flooding, there is also the issue of security.
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He alleged that there was available information on the alleged deployment of operatives of the Edo State Security Network ESSN to curse commotion during the September 21 polls.
While outlining the activities for the two elections, the INEC boss said submission of all polling agents will be done 30 days before the respective elections.
He also said 17 candidates would be contesting the governorship position in both states with Edo fielding the only female candidate in the entire polls.
INEC uncovers plan to disrupt Edo elections using ESSN operatives
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Again, Tinubu says govt won’t tolerate destructive protests
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Again, Tinubu says govt won’t tolerate destructive protests
President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of balancing democratic freedoms with public safety on Thursday.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, he made it clear that his administration will not permit demonstrations that escalate into violence, destruction, or harm to individuals or property.
This statement was made during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he received credentials from the newly appointed US Ambassador, Richard Mills Jr.
The President’s media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, shared this exchange in a statement that underscored Tinubu’s commitment to preserving democratic norms and institutions.
Tinubu said this on the backdrop of growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1, 2024.
The President said, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.
“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”
He also described Nigeria-US relations as “rich,” committing to uphold democracy.
“Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.
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“We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values,” he said.
Tinubu welcomed the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, calling on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.
He said, “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.
“We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow.”
On his part, Mills affirmed the U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.
“Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.
“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Mills said.
The Ambassador also expressed the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, announcing the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Earlier, President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng.
He told the High Commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.
“Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.
“We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia,” the President said.
Tinubu also acknowledged that many Nigerian students find studying in Malaysia attractive, adding that Nigeria looks forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.
The Malaysian High Commissioner said that ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia is looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.
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“We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,” the High Commissioner said.
In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.
Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, the President said he had received a briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.
“The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,” Tinubu said.
He described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.
Kereng said Botswana is committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and is prepared to partner with Nigeria in this area.
She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.
“My coming to Nigeria fulfils my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,” said Kereng.
The protests, organised under the hashtag ‘#EndBadGovernancein Nigeria,’ have gained significant traction on social media, with no group officially claiming responsibility.
Again, Tinubu says govt won’t tolerate destructive protests
News
MURIC demands ban on movie portraying women in Niqab as criminals
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MURIC demands ban on movie portraying women in Niqab as criminals
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned an upcoming movie featuring Nancy Isime and other actresses wearing purdah (Niqab) and brandishing weapons, describing it as “satanic” and “Islamophobic.”
The group claims the film portrays Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them.
The statement read: “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film, which was recently unveiled by Nancy Isime, shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks. It is Islamophobia taken to the highest level. This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative.
“It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity. The film is capable of inciting the public against Muslim women. It may also expose Muslims in general to public ridicule and opprobrium.
“We believe that the film is the handiwork of Muslim-haters and part of the plot to stop Muslim women from wearing hijab and niqab. The plot was hatched a long time ago, and its execution began in the schools. This plot was boldly and diligently confronted in Nigerian courts by Muslims until the highest court in the land made a pronouncement on it. This Satanic film is the latest effort in the war against hijab”.
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, called for the National Film and Video Censors Board to investigate and ban the movie, warning that it could spark violence and ridicule against Muslims.
“To Nigerian Muslims who have inundated our communication channels with video clips, voice notes, and other types of messages, we have this to say: please remain calm and peaceful. You have spoken loud and clear.
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“We have received your messages and action is being taken right now. Our religion brought a message of hope and peace to the world. We will not allow anyone to paint our women, our mothers, our wives, our daughters and sisters in the colours of Shaytan. Be good ambassadors of Islam. Don’t take the law into your hands. Allow the authorities to take necessary action,” he added.
The movie poster sparked outrage among the Muslim community, with many expressing offense at the depiction of women wearing hijab and face veils in a bank robbery scene.
Some have threatened to file a complaint with Meta, seeking action against the account responsible for sharing the “Islamophobic content.”
Reacting, one Latifat Adewunmi Jumah, with a Facebook handle, Laj Fingers, expressed her dissatisfaction over the offensive posts, saying, “The niqab/hijab is not an armed robbery attire! The niqab/hijab is not an attire for concealing identity. If you needed to conceal your identity for a perfect robbery role, you could have used a nose mask or wear a mask. Why wear Islamic attire? I find this offensive. Something needs to be done to stop these people. Niqab/Hijab is not a costume, neither is it a joke”.
Another Facebook user, who identified as Alfa Shehu, commented, “And one of our brothers from Ilorin is kuku in the movie with them. Hypocrites! It is these same people who will turn around tomorrow and say women in Niqab are doing this and doing that. Awon alarun opolo gbogbo. Anything for clouts and monetisation.”
MURIC demands ban on movie portraying women in Niqab as criminals
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