Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a prominent activist and lawyer, has raised alarms about the actions of telecommunications firms in Nigeria, suggesting they may be collaborating with the government to restrict internet access as citizens gear up for protests against rising economic challenges.
Reports have emerged that several telecom providers have been disconnecting users without clear justification, often citing issues related to the National Identification Number (NIN) or providing no explanation at all. Adegboruwa believes these actions are part of a strategy to disrupt communication and undermine the planned protests set for August 1, 2024.
He emphasized that these developments coincide with the public's growing frustration over poverty and the harsh economic policies implemented by President Tinubu's administration. Adegboruwa has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to step in and safeguard the rights of internet users.
Many Nigerians have echoed Adegboruwa's concerns on social media, sharing their experiences of internet disruptions. Activist Omoyele Sowore, who is organizing the protests, has warned that if the telecom companies persist in limiting access, demonstrators may target their facilities.
This situation is reminiscent of the #EndSARS protests, during which significant network outages occurred during critical moments of civil unrest, raising concerns about the government's tactics to suppress dissent.
