The Kano Zonal Office of the Nigerian Communications Commission has apprehended three representatives of companies suspected to be dealers of counterfeited and non-approved type devices at the GSM market on Beirut Street, Kano state.
The arrest was possible after several raids by the enforcement team of the commission; to which they were handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further interrogation and necessary action.
The following are the names of suspects together with the offence the NCC’s enforcement squad claimed they have committed;
- Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited, was allegedly detained for selling fake Gionee devices without proper licencing.
- Mr. Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture, who was also detained for operating without a licence to sell and install terminal equipment.
- Mr. Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications was reported to have committed the same offence as Nura Ahmed, with claims that both with no official document to show they had the legal backing to carry out such business.
Mallam Salisu Abdu, head of enforcement at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and leader of the inspection team, voiced his displeasure with the prevalence of fake and non-type certified phones in the GSM Market.
The names of the non-type-approved phones mentioned during the enforcement were;
- Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800, and L990;
- H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351;
- FoxKong with model numbers F30, F300; and
- KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.
The National Communications Commission (NCC) is therefore warning the public on to stop patronising and using counterfeit and non-type approved devices, stating that such devices negatively affects the quality of experience while leaving their users vulnerable to losses and other discomforts.
NCC says it is determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices is stopped.
“The NCC will collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licenses are obtained by vendors and assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeitdevices,” NCC stated.
