FG says telecom giant's masts used for Radio Biafra transmitters, could be in fresh trouble

folarin okunola

December 29, 2015 5:01 PM

No charges were filed against MTN but the telecom giant could now be part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of Radio Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

Phuthuma Nhleko (L), CEO of MTN group, addresses a news conference in a file photo. REUTERS/Aladin Abdel Naby

There could be more trouble in paradise for telecom giant MTN Nigeria as the Federal Government alleged that Radio Biafra transmitters were mounted on the Company’s masts in Enugu and Anambra states.

According to a Punch NG report, the Federal Government said, in its case summary of the six counts of treason and other ancillary offices instituted against Radio Biafra founder, Nnamdi Kanu, and two others, that transmitters for Radio Biafra were installed on MTN masts in Enugu and Anambra states.

Kanu is currently facing a six-count charge of treason and propagation of intentions to secede and the FG alleges that the transmitter were installed on MTN masts between April and May 2015.

No charges were filed against MTN but the telecom giant could now be part of the ongoing investigation into the activities of Radio Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as well as its founder, Nnamdi Kanu.

READ: The NBC has decided to neutralise Radio Biafra's signal

The sixth count read, “That you, David Nwawuisi, at Enugu and Anambra states, between April and May 2015 assisted in the management of an illegal society by doing an act to wit: you permitted one Chidiebere Onwudiwe, now at large, to install Radio Biafra transmitters with knowledge that the said transmitters were property of the Indigenous People of Biafra, an unlawful society, with the intention to propagate its secession intention and that you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 6 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.”

The prosecutors for the Federal Government are yet to level any charges against MTN as at press time. The South Africa-based telecoms giant still has a $3.9 billion fine imposed on it by the NCC for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards.

folarin okunola