Odeniyi, who is the lead counsel for the victims, in a letter dated April 22, 2024, urged the NCC to “levy appropriate sanctions by way of fines as a deterrence” to others.
Dr. Olubunmi Odeniyi, the legal representative for the four individuals affected by an explosion at the Airtel Networks Limited base station in Ikotun, Lagos State, has formally addressed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding the incident. In a letter dated April 22, 2024, Odeniyi urged the NCC to impose appropriate sanctions on the telecommunications company as a deterrent to others. The letter, titled “Official Report/Complaint of Negligent and Reckless Operation of Airtel at its Base Station (BTS LAG 767),” detailed the events of the explosion on March 19, 2024, which resulted in severe injuries to the victims.
Odeniyi emphasized the need for immediate closure and cessation of operations at the site to facilitate a thorough investigation by the NCC and other relevant authorities. He highlighted the lack of engagement from Airtel management in addressing the medical needs of the injured individuals and urged the NCC to compel the company to initiate urgent medical remediation for the victims.
The letter identified the four victims and outlined their current plight, including intense pain, suffering, financial strain, and mounting medical bills. Odeniyi called upon the NCC to intervene decisively by directing Airtel to provide rehabilitative medical assistance and adequate compensation to the injured parties. Additionally, he urged the NCC to levy fines on Airtel as a means of deterrence against similar incidents in the future.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Odeniyi stressed that his clients depended on the NCC’s intervention, as prolonged court litigation would only further disadvantage the victims. As of the report’s filing, it remained unclear whether Airtel Networks had been formally notified of the petition.