The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 25, 2025 for the arraignment of the Managing Director and CEO of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Karl Toriola, alongside other senior executives, in a case involving alleged violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act.

The court date was fixed by Justice Hauwa Yilwa following accusations by FCCPC lawyer, Nsitem Chizenum that Toriola and others evaded service of court documents.

The charges, filed on July 22, 2024, under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, name MTN Nigeria, Toriola, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo, and General Manager of Regulatory Affairs Ikenna Ikeme.

The FCCPC alleges that the defendants failed to provide required documents and information as mandated by a lawful summons issued on May 17, 2024, with a compliance deadline of June 18, 2024.

The case, led by FCCPC counsel Akoji Achimugu, centers on two counts of non-compliance with the FCCPC Act, raising concerns about corporate governance and regulatory adherence at one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications firms.

The outcome of the arraignment could have significant implications for MTN Nigeria’s operations and its relationship with regulatory authorities.

Count two states that “the defendants were alleged to have “on or about June 18, 2024, in furtherance, and continuation of extant refusal to produce documents and supply information required by the commission 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 requested.”

The Commission stated that the development was in clear violation of Section 33(3) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

At the resumed court session, FCCPC counsel, Chizenum, informed the judge that the absence of the defendants in court was evident.

No lawyer announced an appearance for the defendants.

The FCCPC counsel stressed that on the last adjourned date, the court hinted that it was the duty of the prosecution to bring the defendants to court, hence, efforts were made to produce them in court today.

“We have made several efforts and we equally used the bailiff of this court to serve them, but it seems they were evading service, my lord,” he added.

Counsel informed the court that the Commission had reached out to the Nigeria Police Force to facilitate the production of the defendants in court

“In the circumstance, we ask for an adjournment to enable us bring the defendants for arraignment, my lord,” he said.

After hearing from the lawyer, Justice Yilwa adjourned the matter to September 25 for the arraignment of the defendants.