By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has refuted allegations made by a report of the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, that Nigeria’s Defence Intelligence Agency has acquired equipment that it can use to spy on its citizens’ calls and text messages.
Denying the allegations in a statement on Tuesday, the NCC said the report by the Lab which researches digital surveillance, security, privacy and accountability, has been forwarded to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.
The Lab’s report, titled ‘Running in Circles: Uncovering the Clients of Cyber-espionage Firm Circles’, alleged that a telecom surveillance company – Circles, has been helping state security apparatuses across 25 countries, including Nigeria, to spy on the communications of opposition figures, journalists, and protesters.
“Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been inundated with enquiries by the media on allegations of telephone “tracking” and “leakage” made against the Commission by some individuals and groups in the social and alternative media.
“The Commission wishes to make the following clarifications: The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety; By the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant Laws of the Federation, the Commission does not and cannot “track” nor “leak” telephone conversations of anyone.
“The Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action; The Commission restates its commitment to discharge its responsibilities to the Nigerian people in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the NCA 2003; other extant Laws of the Federation; and global best practices.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission denies these allegations and advises the public to disregard them,” the statement signed by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs read.
