A significant legal victory has emerged as the Federal High Court in Lagos puts a temporary stop to telecom operators’ plans to deactivate SIM cards not linked to the National Identification Number (NIN).
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the restraining order following an application filed by Lagos-based lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje, who sought an injunction pending appeal.
Ogungbeje, having faced SIM deactivation previously, appealed to the court to prevent further restrictions until his ongoing appeal is heard at the Court of Appeal of Nigeria.
In a detailed application, Ogungbeje cited multiple grounds, including previous legal actions and constitutional rights, urging the court to preserve the status quo until his appeal is resolved.
Despite attempts by the respondents to delay proceedings, the court upheld Ogungbeje’s arguments, confirming that all parties were duly served and ruling in his favor.
The court’s decision serves as a temporary reprieve for Nigerians facing potential SIM deactivation, pending the outcome of the lawyer’s appeal, reinforcing the importance of due process and legal safeguards.
