The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied allegations that it was tracking phone conversations of Nigerians.
In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the Commission said the law does not give it the powers to monitor discussions of citizens via telephones.
It however, said the allegations have been referred to security agencies for investigation and appropriate actions.
Leaked audio conversations between the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, had been trending on social media platforms since last weekend.
The NCC statement read:
The 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:
i. The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety.
ii. By the provisions of the Nigerian Communication Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant Laws of the Federation, the Commission does not and cannot “track” nor “leak” telephone conversations of anyone.
iii. The Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.
iv. 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; and 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.”