The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced the arrest of three representatives of companies in Kano selling counterfeit and non-type-approved phones.
According to the NCC’s enforcement team, the arrested individuals were turned over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and further action.
The NCC reiterated its warning to Nigerians against purchasing and using devices that have not been typed approved in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka. It went on to say that such devices degrade the user experience while leaving users vulnerable to losses and other inconveniences.
According to the NCC, the enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices and failing to show any evidence of authorization granted by the Commission.
Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications were also detained because they lacked the necessary licenses to sell and install terminal equipment. They were unable to provide evidence of NCC authorization in this regard.
The non-type-approved phones discovered during the enforcement include Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800 and L990, H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351, FoxKong phones with model numbers F30 and F300, and KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.
Mallam Salisu Abdu, the NCC’s Head of Enforcement who led the team, expressed concern about the GSM Market on Beirut Street in Kano being overrun with counterfeit and non-type approved phones. Many of the vendors, according to Abdu, were not licensed by the Commission to provide the communication services they provided.
“The Commission is determined to conduct post-enforcement checks to prevent the sale of counterfeit devices.” The NCC will collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licenses are obtained by vendors and assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeit devices,” NCC stated.
