The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has revealed how Nigerians revealing their National Identification Numbers to unauthorised individuals or organisations in exchange for monetary compensation were apprehended.
Speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission warned citizens against engaging in the illegal act following reports of some residents in Anambra State were being lured to submit their NINs for money.
While condemning the act, the body added that it is punishable under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
The Head of Corporate Communications of the Commission, Dr Kayode Adegoke, disclosed that arrests have bene made after details of the illegal activity was brought to its attention.
“The National Identity Management Commission has been notified of the activities of unauthorised individuals or organisations purportedly asking for the submission of the National Identification Number of Anambra residents in exchange for money.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, swiftly arrested the culprits behind the illegal collection of the NIN. They are currently being interrogated and would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation. Anyone caught will be dealt with appropriately.
“The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified,” the statement reads.
The Sun Nigeria
