By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Federal Government has slammed a fine of N766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for breaching provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, citing violations of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data.

The sanction, issued through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), followed an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024 after allegations emerged about intrusive data processing by the pay-TV company.

In a statement on Sunday, the Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations at NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye, described the company’s actions as “patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.”

He noted that such practices were a grave violation of the fundamental right to privacy guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the NDPC, the probe uncovered multiple violations, including the unauthorised processing of personal data belonging not only to subscribers but also to individuals who were not customers of Multichoice.

It also found that the company had been transferring Nigerians’ data abroad without following the required legal protocols.

Following the findings, the commission directed Multichoice to implement remedial measures. However, the company’s response was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting the imposition of the fine.

“For lack of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye stated.

The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has also ordered a nationwide audit of all Multichoice data collection outlets.

He warned that any outlet found violating the Act would face penalties under the law.

Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to defending its data sovereignty under both local and international law, the NDPC emphasized that such privacy violations have far-reaching consequences for national security, economic development, and the rule of law.

This development adds to mounting regulatory pressure on Multichoice Nigeria.

In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), ordered the company to halt a planned subscription price increase, pending an ongoing investigation.

However, Multichoice defied the directive and implemented the price hike on March 1, 2025.

The FCCPC subsequently filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, accusing them of obstructing an investigation, defying regulatory orders, and violating several sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

The charges include willful obstruction, impeding a lawful inquiry, and providing misleading information to authorities.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Samuel Eze, for being in possession of a human breast.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, revealing that the suspect was apprehended by joint security operatives on patrol at Jude Onyekwere Street, Awada, Obosi, on July 6.

The recovered body part has been deposited at a morgue, while Eze is undergoing interrogation.

In a separate operation, police rescued a kidnapped truck driver and recovered a consignment of custard powder worth N9.5 million.

Three suspects; Udegenyi Ugochukwu (38), Anayochukwu Okonkwo (47), and Good Odigili (47), were arrested.

The suspects confessed to abducting the driver, tying him up in a bush, and diverting the truck from Delta State to Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra.

Also recovered was an abandoned Toyota Sienna with registration number 736 JP and marked “Forum of Accountants Delta State,” found during a police patrol on July 5 in Obosi.

The command has urged anyone with proof of ownership of the recovered vehicle to come forward.

Ikenga assured that joint security patrols will continue to ensure safety across the state.

By Adenike Lawal

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspects, and recovered arms in coordinated operations across Edo, Delta, Katsina, and Adamawa states.

Force spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said in a statement on Sunday that the operations are part of intensified efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and cultism.

In Edo, police and vigilantes stormed Ewatto community on June 26 and rescued two farmers, Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka, after a gun duel with kidnappers.

In Delta, operatives arrested four suspected cultists linked to the Aiye Confraternity and recovered weapons, ammunition, fetish items, phones, and a laptop.

Another raid in Okpanam led to the arrest of two arms couriers with shotguns and 110 rounds of ammunition.

In Katsina, the Intelligence Response Team apprehended Yunusa Ishaku, a suspected member of a vehicle theft syndicate.

Two stolen vehicles were recovered, with more traced to Bauchi and Zamfara.

In Adamawa, a suspect, Alhaji Iya Bima, was arrested with two AK-47 rifles, five magazines, and 100 rounds of ammunition.

All suspects are in custody and will face prosecution.

Adejobi said the operations reflect the police’s ongoing commitment to dismantling criminal networks nationwide.