In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Lagos, telecom operators are now prohibited from deactivating or barring any line or SIM card not linked to the National Identification Number (NIN).
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, the presiding judge, issued the restraining order on February 22, 2024, in response to an application filed by rights activist Olukoya Ogungbeje.
Ogungbeje had brought a suit against the federal government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, and Airtel Networks Nigeria Limited.
In his plea, Ogungbeje sought an injunction pending appeal to prevent all respondents from enforcing the judgment delivered on May 8, 2023, by Justice Lewis-Allagoa. The injunction also bars any further action to outrightly deactivate, bar, or restrict any SIM cards or phone lines of Nigerian citizens, including those slated for action on February 28, 2024, or any other scheduled date.
This ruling serves as a temporary halt to telecom operators’ actions until the appeal at the Court of Appeal is heard and determined.
With the court’s decision stoping telecom operators from deactivating SIM cards unlinked to NINs, the citizens who may have faced the prospect of losing their communication services can now breathe a sigh of relief. This decision not only protects their access to vital communication networks but also shows the importance of individual rights and due process in legal proceedings. For individuals like Olukoya Ogungbeje, who initiated the legal action, it reflects a commitment to advocacy and ensuring that the rights of citizens are upheld in the face of regulatory measures. Overall, this development resonates with the broader narrative of citizens’ rights and the balance between security measures and individual freedoms.
