Samsung is investigating the cases involving its Galaxy Note 7

Samsung has told users of its Galaxy Note 7 smart phone in West Africa notably Nigeria to power down, stop using the device and seek remedial assistance from its service centres.

In a press release distributed Tuesday October 18th 2016, Samsung stated that, “We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. For the benefit of consumers’ safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 and have consequently decided to stop production.”

There has been a global wave of reports detailing that the said device is allegedly exploding and several countries have slapped a ban on its importation and usage. The development has led to a review by several global airlines on carrying smart phones inflight. Rwanda and Uganda have reportedly also banned the device.

The release recieved at CIO East Africa went ahead to say that, “Samsung remains committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device are advised to power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available at our Samsung Authorized Service Centres.”

“Although the Galaxy Note7 has not been released in Nigeria, the current Galaxy Note7 users, despite the original place of purchase are kindly advised to visit the nearest Samsung Authorized Service Centre for immediate assistance,” The release added.

Customers are advised to return their Galaxy Note7 to Samsung Authorized Service Centres and be guided with available options. Those who have already returned their Galaxy Note7 will also be contacted from Samsung for their options. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to customers and partners who have trusted and waited for the Galaxy Note7,” said Emmanouil Revmatas, Director and Business Leader, Information Mobile and Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa.

According to the Guardian.com, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 is now banned on so many airlines worldwide that the company is opening up stalls inside airports to let owners swap or get a refund for the phablet before boarding their flight.

The booths are opening in airports around the world, including Australia and South Korea, following the ban of the device on those countries’ largest airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Australia and Qantas. The Australian bans are at the airlines’ discretion, however: in other nations, including Korea, the US and Japan, the Note 7 is banned from flights under the order of the country’s airline regulators.