MTN Nigeria Executives, Including CEO Karl Toriola, to Face Legal Charges Over Regulatory and Copyright Issues Summary of the Allegations The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) will arraign Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, along with other senior executives, for allegedly failing to comply with lawful summons. The arraignment is scheduled for May 28 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a separate case, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has also filed charges against MTN Nigeria, Toriola, Senior Executive Officer Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Ltd, and its CEO, Yahaya Maibe. The charges involve copyright infringement of musical works by artist Maleke Moye. Details of the FCCPC Charges The FCCPC’s charges focus on MTN Nigeria and its executives’ alleged failure to produce required documents and information. According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, the defendants include: The charges, filed by a legal team led by Akoji Achimugu on July 22, 2024, highlight a violation of the FCCPC Act, with the case handled by Justice H.J. Yilwa. NCC’s Copyright Infringement Case Separately, the NCC alleges that between 2010 and 2017, the defendants sold and distributed copyrighted musical works by Maleke Moye without permission. These works were used as “caller ring back tunes” without the artist’s authorization. Infringed Songs Include: The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024, is before Justice Inyang Ekwo, with the next hearing scheduled for May 15. The alleged offences are punishable under Section 20 (2) (a), (b), and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Court Proceedings and Legal Developments During a previous session, Justice Yilwa questioned the absence of the defendants. FCCPC’s lawyer, Chizenum Nsitem, explained the need for additional time to review the case file, leading to an adjournment until May 28. In the copyright case, the Attorney-General of the Federation has expressed interest in taking over, signaling the seriousness of the charges. Potential Impact on MTN Nigeria These legal challenges could significantly impact MTN Nigeria’s reputation and operations. Compliance with FCCPC regulations and copyright laws is crucial for maintaining corporate integrity and avoiding legal repercussions. For more insights into the role of the FCCPC in Nigeria, visit the official FCCPC website. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is addressing consumer concerns regarding the planned phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other distribution companies (DisCos), following numerous complaints. Ikeja Electric recently announced that the Unistar prepaid meters, initially deployed over a decade ago, would no longer be supported after November 14, 2024, due to technological advancements and issues related to the Token Identifier (TID) rollover, according to Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC Director of Special Duties & Strategic Communication. As consumers express anxiety over potential financial burdens, including the cost of replacing phased-out meters, the FCCPC is actively engaging stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the 11 DisCos, to ensure consumer protection. Concerns also include whether consumers will be unfairly placed on estimated billing during the transition, which violates existing guidelines. The FCCPC aims to make the metering process transparent and fair by ensuring that DisCos shoulder the replacement costs. Additionally, the FCCPC pledges to ramp up consumer education to safeguard against exploitation and ensure DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines. This intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which emphasizes protecting consumer rights and ensuring access to essential services like electricity. The FCCPC is committed to ensuring fairness and transparency during the meter upgrade process, working to prevent undue financial burdens or disadvantages for Nigerian consumers.
