Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has raised concerns that telecommunications companies in the country may be attempting to frustrate a planned protest through network restrictions.
In a statement released on Sunday, Adegboruwa highlighted an increase in complaints from citizens experiencing network disruptions as the protest date approaches.
The demonstration, scheduled for August 1, is aimed at addressing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Adegboruwa cautioned telcos against obstructing the protest by limiting internet access for citizens. “For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons,” he stated.
“Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking, while others didn’t give any reason at all.”
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He suggested that these actions coincide with the upcoming protest against hunger, poverty, suffering, and the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, implying that the telcos’ real motive might be to hinder the protest by restricting communication.
Adegboruwa emphasized the sanctity of contracts between telecom companies and their subscribers, insisting that these agreements should not be tampered with. “Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error,” he said.
“So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to talk of those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.”
The human rights lawyer has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the matter and has also written to security agencies requesting protection for the protesters.