Fed Govt Drags MTN, Others Over FCCPC

Fed Govt Drags MTN, Others Over FCCPC

The Federal Government has taken legal action against MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and three of its senior executives over allegations of withholding information from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Facing criminal charges alongside MTN before the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja are the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola; Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo; and General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Ikenna Ikeme.

The telecom giant and its executives are accused in a two-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, of failing to provide documents requested by the FCCPC—an alleged violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.

The charge, filed in the name of the Federal Government by the FCCPC, reads:

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 18 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.

Responding, Nsitem told the court that, although the case was scheduled for the arraignment of the defendants, he was just briefed about the case.

He requested for time to study the case file and take the necessary steps.

However, Justice Yilwa adjourned till May 28 for arraignment.