Ericsson: We sacked pro-Biafra engineer in July

Swedish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm, Ericsson, says its field maintenance engineer who facilitated the installation of Radio Biafra transmitters on MTN masts was sacked and arrested the moment his action was discovered.

On Tuesday, TheCable had reported how David Nwawuisi, a field maintenance engineer with Ericsson, facilitated access to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) engineers to mount the transmitters on MTN’s masts under his care.

The transmitters were used in boosting the signals of Radio Biafra, allegedly transmitted from London, UK, until they were discovered by the security agencies.

Nwawuisi is currently standing trial with Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader and founder of Radio Biafra, on a six-count charge of treason, importation of illegal good and possession of fire arms.

Responding on Wednesday, the ICT company expressed regrets for the “unfortunate incident”, saying it had “initiated immediate action to foil any similar attempts”.

Although Ericsson did not specifically state the date the culprit was sacked, TheCable established independently that the sack was in July.

“Illegal FM transmitting equipment was discovered connected to an outsourced MTN mast, managed by Ericsson, in Enugu in eastern Nigeria,” read a statement signed by Johan Jemdahl, managing director of Ericsson Nigeria.

“The equipment was immediately confiscated and the authorities were notified. A contractor to Ericsson has subsequently been taken into police custody after his involvement was discovered. He has been discharged from his contracted responsibilities with Ericsson.

“Ericsson views this incident in an extremely serious light. It is the result of a violation of its process that permits access to its mast sites. As a result, Ericsson has initiated immediate action to foil any similar attempts.

“All mast sites in Enugu and Port Harcourt Regions have been audited while FM scanning was conducted. Critical attention was given to all high masts and sites located in mountainous areas, i.e. locations attractive for illegal activities. In addition, the Site Access Process will be reviewed for all employees and third parties.

“We sincerely regret the unfortunate incident, which violates our Code of Business Ethics and Code of Conduct, contracted responsibilities as well as our company values.”