NCC closes First Bank branch in Ibadan

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday closed down the New Ring Road branch of First Bank in Ibadan over alleged illegal use of Internet services.

Also, the bank branch manager, whose identity was not immediately known, was arrested by the NCC enforcement team for allegedly resisting the action.

Efosa Idehen, NCC Head of Enforcement team, told newsmen in Ibadan after the operation that the bank continued to use its frequency without approval in spite of several warnings.

Business activities at the branch were paralysed as scores of customers were not allowed into the banking hall.

“Most of the banks remain adamant after several warnings issued to them on the illegal use of the frequency since April, 2011,” he said.

He said that the (5. 40GHz- 5. 75GHz) frequency band is for data transmission.

Mr. Idehen said that closure of the bank’s operations was “a test of the law” adding that the bank branch manager obstructed the enforcement team’s operation for over an hour.

“We have done it in Lagos and this is the first time it is happening in other South-West states,” he said.

Mr. Idehen urged other defaulters to desist from such act, stressing that NCC would continue to clampdown on them in accordance with the provisions of the law.