Senate Okays Controversial Wiretap Programme

The Senate has endorsed a bill seeking to empower relevant security agencies in the country to intercept communications prejudicial to national security for public interest.

The so-called 'lawful interception’ will give too much powers to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and security agencies to intrude into private communications of Nigerians such as telephonic calls, e-mail messages and such other electronic exchange of information like short messaging service (SMS) and multimedia applications in the name of enhancing national security, prevention of crime committal and facilitate criminal investigations.

Sponsored by Senator Isa Galaudu (Kebbi North) the bill titled “An Act to Provide for the Interception, Development and Protection of Communications Networks and Facilities for Public Interest and other related matters,” passed the second reading at the Senate and was referred to the committees on Communications, Judiciary and National Security for further inputs.

According to Galaudu, the bill will assist, simplify and facilitate the role of national security agencies in tracking terrorism or crime against national security or human dignity using communication or telecommunication services.

Also, the bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, assembly, processing, sales, purchase or advertisement of certain equipment illegally used as interception devices and to also protect the interest of communication users through prohibition of interception, and provide circumstances under which interception may be permitted for public interest.

According to him: “It is pertinent to note that the bill strengthens the terrorism prevention act, which empowers the Attorney-General of the Federation, National Security Adviser or the Inspector-General of Police to acquire information relating to terrorist groups and terrorist acts and conduct investigations or search with or without warrant to prevent or establish a crime of terrorism in Nigeria.”

Expressing fears about the abuse of the bill, Senator Atai Aidoki Ali said this would give opportunity to government to witch-hunt the opposition without court order. He described the bill as ambiguous, positing that it should be streamlined.

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy Senate President, said that these are unusual times and that unusual methods should be used to tackle the problems.

He stated: “The security and protection of our citizens is paramount; this is the major aspect of the bill.

“It is also important to stop people using devices to intercept people’s calls. I think with this bill, punishment will be prescribed for those who intercept calls illegally.”