Leaked audio: NCC denies allegations of tracking telephone conversations

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it does not track nor leak mobile phone conversations of Nigerians.

NCC, in a statement by Reuben Muoka, its director of public affairs, was responding to allegations that it monitors phone calls.

Recently, an audio clip alleged to be a conversation between Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and David Oyedepo, the founder of Winners Chapel, had gone viral on the internet.

In the audio, Obi allegedly asked Oyedepo to him secure votes from Christians in the south-west and Kwara during the presidential polls, describing the election as a “religious war”.

While the presidential candidate has been criticised for promoting religious bigotry, Nigerians are now worried about the safety of their phone calls.

Speaking on the matter, Muoka said 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 agency, therefore, refuted the allegations and urged the Nigerians to disregard them.

“The commission denies the allegations in their entirety,” Muoka said.

“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.

“The commission has reported the allegations, which we take 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; 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.”