Nigerians have been warned against the sale and usage of phone jamming devices in the country by the industry regulator Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) through its Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo.
According to Nigeria Communication Week, Ojobo issued the warning in a statement in Lagos saying that the attention of the commission had been drawn to the illegal sale and installation of such devices in several locations, including but not limited to religious places and business premises.
Ojobo said it is a criminal offence to sell, install or use any equipment which may hinder network operation between places and people.
The NCC spokesman cautioned persons who sold, installed or used such devices to desist from it, as it affected proper functioning of networks.
"The commission therefore warns any person who sells installs or uses such devices in their shops, offices, religious places, house or business premises.
"Such person should within seven days from the date of this notice desist from this illegal and unauthorised act by stopping the sale, installation or use of such devices.
"The jamming devices should be deactivated, removed and handed over to the nearest police station for record and keep."
He said that the issuance of the warning was in exercise of the NCC's mandate of ensuring the protection of consumers, ensuring good quality of service and technical standards.
The director said that the notice served as pre-enforcement to any institution, organisation or persons involved in the illegal activities.
He said that the consequences of non-compliance with the notice might include seizure, detention, investigation and prosecution of any person or organisation involved in the contravention.