SIM Cards were registered using Dogs and Goats Pictures - NCC

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on Wednesday said its  investigation revealed that SIM cards were registered with pictures of  goats, dogs  and flowers.

Mr Efosa Idehen, NCC’s Head of   Enforcement,  disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin after an unscheduled  visit  to  some telecommunication offices in the state.

Idehen, who led the team on the tour, said two agents and a staff of three major telecommunication operators were apprehended for allegedly selling pre-registered SIM to customers.

He said two agents of  Glo and Airtel as well as  a staff of  MTN were  arrested  over   selling  of  pre-registered SIM.

The NCC official  accused some  telecommunication operators in the country of  flouting the NCC directive  banning sale of pre-registered SIM.

"The commission would sanction them for N200, 000 for each pre-registered SIM card alongside criminal charges  against them,’’ he said.

He also warned  telecommunication operators to desist from such actions, saying it was jeopardising the  security of the country.

He advised residents  to be careful when  buying  new SIM cards, saying  they may run foul of the law.