Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 25 for the arraignment of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc’s CEO, Karl Toriola, and other top executives over allegations of obstructing an investigation by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Justice Hauwa Yilwa set the date after FCCPC lawyer Nsitem Chizenum accused Toriola and his colleagues of evading service of court documents related to the case.
FCCPC’s Allegations Against MTN Nigeria
The FCCPC, in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, sued MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Toriola, Tobechukwu Okigbo (Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer), and Ikenna Ikeme (General Manager, Regulatory Affairs), alleging their failure to provide documents and information requested by the commission in compliance with a lawful summons.
According to the two-count charge filed on July 22, 2024, the defendants allegedly refused to produce the required documents on June 18, 2024, despite a formal request issued on May 17, 2024. The commission further accused them of obstructing its inquiry by continuing to withhold the requested information.
The FCCPC contends that these actions violate Section 33 (3) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
During the latest court session, Chizenum informed Justice Yilwa that the defendants were absent, and no legal representatives appeared on their behalf.
“We have made several efforts and even engaged the court bailiff to serve them, but it seems they are evading service,” Chizenum stated.
The FCCPC has since contacted the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to assist in ensuring the defendants appear in court. Following this, Justice Yilwa adjourned the case until September 25 for arraignment.
Previous Legal Issues for MTN CEO
This is not the first time Toriola has faced allegations of evading legal proceedings. In May 2024, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) accused him of avoiding service in a separate copyright infringement case.
The NCC had filed charges against MTN Nigeria, Toriola, and other executives, alleging unauthorized use of copyrighted soundtracks as callback ringtones without proper consent.
With mounting legal challenges, MTN Nigeria’s leadership remains under scrutiny, as stakeholders and regulators closely monitor the unfolding developments.
