Federal Government Sues MTN, Executives Over Alleged Information Hoarding

The Federal Government has filed a lawsuit against MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and three of its senior executives for allegedly withholding information from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The case, which has been brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, involves MTN’s Managing Director and CEO Karl Toriola, Chief Corporate Services Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo, and General Manager of Regulatory Affairs Ikenna Ikeme.

According to court documents, the defendants are accused of failing to provide documents requested by the FCCPC, despite multiple summonses and an extended deadline. The two-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, states that the alleged refusal to supply information obstructed an ongoing inquiry and potential investigation by the regulatory commission. The charges are based on provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

The case was mentioned before Justice H.J. Yilwa on Monday, but the defendants were not present in court. FCCPC’s lawyer, Chizenum Nsitem, informed the court that he had only recently been briefed on the case and requested additional time to review the file and take necessary steps. Justice Yilwa adjourned the arraignment to May 28.