Connect with us

    Hi, what are you looking for?

    Tech

    MTN Boss Karl Toriola, Others to Be Arraigned Over Consumer Protection Case

    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.

    Spread the love
    Click to comment

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ad

    You May Also Like

    Tech

    Lagos State has declared its readiness to lead Africa’s digital transformation, as it welcomed participants to the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo and Startup Festival,...

    Opinion

    By Linda Saunders, Country Manager & Senior Director Solution Engineering, Africa, Salesforce In a time of rising global economic uncertainty, African businesses are increasingly...

    Tech

    In a powerful display of public-private synergy, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat visited the MTN Data Centre booth...

    Broadcasting

    Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, has awarded damages of more than R2.6 million to the girlfriend of a Nigerian citizen who was suffocated to d3ath...