Some Nigerians online are attacking the claim by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that it uncovered no fewer than 100,000 Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) cards linked to a single individual.
The claim was made in a press release by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, announcing September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for linking National Identification Numbers (NINs) to SIMs.
The statement read in part: “Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
“The Commission also remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the Integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
“The NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment and fines. We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the NCC”
Reacting to the claim on a popular online discussion platform, Nairaland, many Nigerians suggested the commission embellished the facts while some others accused the agency of outright fabrication.
Ogolemati wrote: (*Censored*) How can one person have 100000 SIMs linked to him. Who be the person?”
Simeonabio(m): “This is a huge lie coming from a government agency.”
YOUNGELDER1: “SIM card registration boys did dem dirty. Sold already registered SIM cards with stolen identity at ridiculous prices.”
Mrfixitt(m): “This is a fat lie?”
Saintopus(m): “What would an individual do with 100000 SIM Cards if not for fraud? What is the name of the individual?”
immortalcrown(m): “Mention the person’s name and show his or her face, if you are honest. I am not doubting the possibility of such number of SIM cards being linked to one person. But your information has to be convincing.”
GanagiBitrus: “This must be for criminal purposes. But how come their system didn’t earlier flag such multiple linking.”
Princepeter566: “Nigeria is a crime scene with a criminal presido”
ecomalchemistt(m): “Agba baller, how much is SIM card..”
SKYisa(m): “Shocked 100k SIM cards?”
Yesloaded: “Lots of irregularities with the registration of SIM cards. I tried to do welcome back last year right inside MTN mega office but to my utmost surprise the agent said my registered name on the SIM card was different from my real name. The funniest part was that I registered the SIM card by myself at their mini outlet before we begin linking of NIN. I request to see the face linked to my SIM card but alas my face (showed) clearly but all the 3 names (were) not mine which means the agent that registers the SIM card used someone else name to register my SIM card but my face & fingerprint is correct.”
Mrkings84(m): “Maybe that’s the NCC ancestor”
Dandsome: “Most likely it’s those boys that will register a SIM and sell it to you so they can meet up target. Just maybe”
CodeTemplarr: “Maybe he is an insider who breached protocols to use his NIN to link SIMs for a fee. No regular fraudster can achieve that.”
Loffers(m): “I doubt if this is possible. On second thought, maybe a system glitch/error.” Stephench: “Do they have automated systems that register SIM in Nigeria? This is a complete lie”
NorthernAgender: “When bandits and kidnappers (are) having a field day.”
adioolayi(m): “100,000 SIM Cards. NCC sef…no be maximum of 5 lines per NIN dey your app…how come one person is able to do this. Are you saying one person has about 20,000 NIN? Where exactly is the lapses coming from…from multiple NIN or porous NIN linkage from telecommunication and NCC.
It’s just not making sense…even if the NCC Public Affairs Director wants to justify the September 14th deadline, there are other make believe reasons he can give… not a nonsense one like this that shows NCC and NIMC infrastructures vulnerable!”
