FG Takes MTN, Top Executives To Court Over Alleged Information Hoarding

The Federal Government has taken legal action against MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and three of its senior executives for allegedly failing to provide information requested by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Among others indicted alongside MTN in the criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja are the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Karl Toriola; Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo; and General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Ikenna Ikeme.
The two-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024) alleges that the telecom giant and its executives violated the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018 by failing to comply with a valid order to submit records.
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, 20

Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers Lawmakers Accuse Governor Fubara of Disregarding Ultimatum Letter

“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 the 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.

The defendants were not present when their case was heard by Justice H.J. Yilwa on Monday.
In response, the FCCPC’s legal representative, Chizenum Nsitem, informed the court that, while the matter had been set for the defendants’ arraignment, he had only recently been briefed and needed time to analyze the file.

Justice Yilwa then postponed the proceedings until May 28 for arraignment.