By ….Federal High Court in Lagos Dismisses SERAP’s Case Against NIN-SIM Linkage Directive.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has rejected a lawsuit brought by the Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) challenging the presidential directive requiring SIM cards to be linked with the National Identification Number (NIN).
Justice Yelim Bogoro ruled that the Federal Government’s policy mandating the linkage of SIM cards with NIN is justified and that the collective interest of the country outweighs individual rights.
SERAP had filed the lawsuit against the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), arguing that the directive, which affects over 72 million subscribers, infringed on their constitutional rights.
However, Akintola Makinde, counsel for the President, argued that the rights cited by SERAP are not absolute and that the directive supports sections 14(2)(b) and 45 of the Constitution, as well as relevant provisions of the National Communications Act. He emphasized that the directive addresses pressing security concerns, including kidnapping and other crimes often facilitated by unregistered phone lines.
Makinde highlighted the disturbing statistics related to kidnapping and other criminal activities, stating that tracking and combating such crimes necessitates the use of technology and accurate data synchronization.
Nnamdi Oragwu, counsel for the NCC, argued that SERAP failed to provide sufficient proof for its claims. He maintained that the NCC’s actions were constitutional and that rights, while protected, can be restricted by government agencies to ensure peace, stability, unity, and security.
Justice Bogoro accepted these arguments and dismissed SERAP’s case.
