The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has denied allegations of tracking and leaking audio calls by groups and individuals on social media.
NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, in a statement on Tuesday, said
the “commission 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 media enquiries come on the heels of a leaked verified telephone conversation between the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi and the Founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo.
According to the audio recording, which was widely circulated online, Obi was heard soliciting Oyedepo’s assistance to convince his congregants to vote for him in the 2023 general election.
The release of the audio recording, triggered the allegations with fingers pointed at the NCC as the culprit, with some supposing that only the commission reserves the right to make public a private conversation of that nature.
But the commission denied the allegations in their entirety, stating that “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.
NCC further stated that it has reported the allegations, which it takes 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 commission said.