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FG Fines Multichoice N766m for Data Privacy Breaches

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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.

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Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

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By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

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Crime

Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

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Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

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By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.

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