FG orders Google, Apple to shut down apps of illegal online banks

The federal government through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has ordered Google LLC (Play Store) and Apple Inc. (App Store) to enforce the withdrawal of certain applications belonging to illegal online banks operating in Nigeria.

The Commission said the order became imperative as it had established inappropriate conduct or use of the application in violation of the rights of consumers.

The Order of the Commission also prohibits acceptance and presentation of new applications for the same purpose without regulatory assessment and approval.

The FCCPC said these in a statement issued on Monday which was personally signed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Babatunde Irukera.

The FCCPC Boss said the order is in furtherance of the action taken by the Inter-Agency Joint Regulatory and Enforcement Task Force last Friday, which led to the shutdown of some online banks.

The Enforcement Team is made up of the FCCPC, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission

The statement reads, “In furtherance, and pursuant to an Order of the Federal High Court procured by, and granted to the FCCPC, the JRETF executed a search and seizure Order on certain digital money lenders.

“As part of the operation, the JRETF together with the Nigeria Police Force and bailiff of the Federal High Court searched locations of the money lenders, extracted valuable evidence and in some circumstances prohibited or restricted continuing operations.