Human rights lawyer and member of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry into the outcome of the #EndSARS protest, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the alleged disconnection of subscribers by telecommunication operators.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) emphasized that telcos should not attempt to sabotage the upcoming protest against economic hardship in Nigeria by restricting internet access for dissatisfied citizens.
Adegboruwa highlighted the crucial role of communication in facilitating peaceful protests and urged the NCC to ensure that telecom companies do not infringe on the rights of Nigerians.
He warned that any attempt to hinder the protest through internet restrictions would be seen as a violation of the citizens’ rights to free expression and assembly.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons. Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking while some didn’t give any reason at all,” Adegboruwa said.
“This action is coming on the heels of the proposed struggle of the people against hunger, poverty, suffering and the suffocating economic policies of the Tinubu administration.”
“From all indications, it would seem that the underlying target of the telecom companies is to limit the reach of their customers in order to restrict access and thus frustrate the protests.”
The senior lawyer said the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers remains sacrosanct and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.
“Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error.”
“So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to talk to those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.”
“The NCC is urged to look into this and come to the rescue of the subscribers.”
