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By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of Mr. Karl Toriola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, to October 30.
Our correspondent reports that,Toriola and three other senior executives of the company are facing prosecution by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over alleged breaches of the commission’s Act.
The trial judge, Justice Hauwa Yilwa, was absent on Thursday due to official engagement at a workshop, prompting the adjournment.
The FCCPC had earlier filed a two-count charge against MTN Nigeria (1st defendant), Toriola (2nd defendant), Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (3rd defendant), and Mr. Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs (4th defendant).
The defendants are accused of failing to produce documents and information required by the FCCPC, despite a lawful summons issued on May 17, 2024, and an extended deadline communicated in a June 5, 2024, letter.
According to the commission, the alleged offence violates Section 33(3) of the FCCPC Act, 2018, and contravenes Section 111(1), punishable under Section 111(2) of the same Act.
At an earlier hearing, the FCCPC’s counsel, Mr. Nsitem Chizenum, accused the MTN CEO and his co-defendants of evading service of court processes, noting that the Nigeria Police Force had been enlisted to ensure their appearance.
The reporters recalls that the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, was filed on July 22, 2024, by a team of lawyers led by Mr. Akoji Achimugu.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
