The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the extension of the linking of the National Identity Number to telephone lines’ deadline by two months.

Channels Television reported that the extension was granted by Justice Maureen Onyetenu, who delivered the ruling in the fundamental right suit filed by a lawyer, Monday Ubani. 

The action was taken against the federal government.

Other parties joined to the matter were the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami. 

Mr Ubani argued that the deadline given to service providers to block people’s SIM cards yet to link their lines with the NIN violated the constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression, right to own moveable property, and right to life.

He sought that the court halt the ultimatum and extend the deadline. 

In his argument, Mr Ubani posited that the rush to register lines increased his chances and millions of Nigerians contracting COVID-19. As such, it was a violation of his right to life. 

This is the fifth extension for the NIN-SIM integration deadline. 

Peoples Gazette had reported previous moves from December 30 to January 19, then February 9, and another eight-week extension scheduled for April 6.