FG takes MTN and its top executives to court for alleged information hoarding.

The Federal Government has taken legal action against MTN Nigeria and its top executives over allegations of withholding critical information.

According to sources, the lawsuit was filed in response to claims that the telecommunications giant failed to provide essential data required by regulatory authorities. The government argues that this alleged information hoarding has hindered transparency and accountability in the sector.

Authorities have stated that MTN and its executives will be required to answer to the charges in court. Legal experts suggest that the case could have significant implications for corporate governance and compliance within Nigeria’s telecom industry.

MTN has yet to release an official statement regarding the lawsuit. However, industry observers are closely monitoring the developments as the case unfolds.

Further updates will be provided as more details become available. Stay tuned for ongoing developments.

According to the two-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, the telecom giant and its executives allegedly failed to comply with a lawful request to produce documents, which constitutes an offence under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.

The charge, filed by the FCCPC on behalf of the Federal Government, states: “That you, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, Mr. Karl Olutokun Toriola (M), Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo (M) and Mr. Ikenna Ikeme (M) on or about the 18th day of June, 2024, at Plot 2784, Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, Abuja, without sufficient cause, failed to produce documents and/or information which you were required to produce, in compliance with a lawful summons and request to produce, dated May 17, 2024, which compliance with same was further extended by a letter dated June 5, 2024, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (3) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.”

“That you, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, Mr. Karl Olutokun Toriola (M), Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo (M) and Mr. Ikenna Ikeme (M) on or about the 18th day of June, 2024, at Plot 2784, Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, Abuja, in furtherance, and continuation of extant refusal to produce documents and supply information required by the commission (FCCPC) under statutory notice and demand did impede and obstruct the FCCPC’s ongoing limited initial inquiry and possible prospective investigation by refusing to produce and supply documents and/or information in compliance with a lawful summons and request to produce, dated May 17, 2024, which compliance with same was further extended by a letter dated June 5, 2024, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 111 (1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and punishable under Section 111 (2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.”

When the case came up before Justice H.J. Yilwa on Monday, the defendants were absent.

In response, the FCCPC’s legal representative, Chizenum Nsitem, informed the court that although the case had been scheduled for the arraignment of the defendants, he had just been briefed and needed time to review the case file.

Justice Yilwa subsequently adjourned the matter to May 28 for arraignment.