MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, one of the country’s leading telecom operators, now finds itself deeply entangled in a web of legal complications. Federal authorities have launched two major criminal proceedings against its Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, along with other top officials. These include allegations of failing to comply with lawful regulatory demands and charges of copyright infringement involving the unauthorized use of musical content.
Undoubtedly, these ongoing legal battles have thrown the company into the public spotlight for all the wrong reasons, raising significant questions about MTN’s internal compliance culture and corporate governance structure.
Regulatory Showdown With FCCPC
To begin with, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formally charged MTN Nigeria and several of its executives for breaching the FCCPC Act. According to a two-count criminal charge filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, the commission accused MTN, Karl Toriola, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo, and Regulatory Affairs General Manager Ikenna Ikeme of deliberately refusing to produce vital documents and information during an official investigation.
Specifically, the FCCPC served a lawful summons on May 17, 2024, instructing MTN to submit all requested documentation by June 18. However, the commission contended that MTN ignored this summons without offering any explanation, thereby violating Section 33(3) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. Consequently, FCCPC lawyers argued that this refusal obstructed the commission’s ongoing inquiry and hindered further investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices.
Court Proceedings Delayed Amid Alleged Evasion
During the most recent court session, presiding judge Justice Hauwa Yilwa expressed deep concern over the continued absence of the defendants. Representing the FCCPC, lawyer Nsitem Chizenum informed the court that MTN executives had repeatedly evaded service of the court documents. He further explained that the commission had taken extensive steps to deliver the court summons, including engaging the court’s bailiff and the Nigeria Police Force. Despite these efforts, the defendants still failed to appear.
Consequently, the commission requested an adjournment to allow additional time for the defendants to be brought before the court. In response, Justice Yilwa granted the request and postponed the arraignment until September 25, 2025.
Copyright Violation: A Second Case Emerges
At the same time, MTN Nigeria is also dealing with another legal crisis—this one initiated by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). In a separate lawsuit filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024, the NCC has charged MTN, Karl Toriola, MTN executive Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Limited, and its CEO Yahaya Maibe with copyright infringement.
According to the NCC, MTN and its partners unlawfully used several copyrighted musical works as ringback tones between 2010 and 2017 without obtaining permission from the original content owner, Nigerian musician Maleke Idowu Moye. Songs such as “911,” “Minimini-Wana Wana,” and “Stop Racism” were allegedly distributed as digital content across MTN’s platforms to millions of subscribers. By failing to secure legal authorization, the commission asserted that MTN had violated core provisions of the Copyright Act.
Attorney General’s Office Intervenes
As the copyright case gathered momentum, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) stepped in and assumed control of the prosecution. This intervention followed a formal petition filed by MTN, in which the company alleged that the NCC was using the litigation to harass and discredit its executives unjustly. With the AGF’s office now in charge, the federal government holds the authority to either continue or discontinue the proceedings, depending on its assessment of legal merits and national interest.
Analysts believe this move could either escalate the matter or de-escalate it, depending on how the AGF chooses to proceed. Regardless of the outcome, the AGF’s involvement signifies that the case has reached a level of national significance.
History of Regulatory Troubles
Notably, this is not the first time MTN Nigeria has faced regulatory challenges. Back in 2015, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) fined the telecom giant a staggering $5.2 billion for failing to disconnect unregistered SIM cards. After prolonged negotiations, MTN eventually paid a reduced fine of $3.2 billion. That penalty sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked widespread discussion about compliance and data protection in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Given this history, current legal issues only add to the company’s regulatory woes and could potentially affect investor confidence, market perception, and long-term business continuity.
Corporate Accountability Under Scrutiny
As both cases unfold, MTN’s senior leadership finds itself under intense public and regulatory scrutiny. Karl Toriola, who assumed the role of CEO with the promise of transparency and innovation, now faces serious questions about his management style and willingness to cooperate with legal institutions.
Furthermore, MTN’s failure to comply with regulatory summons, coupled with alleged copyright violations, paints a troubling picture of corporate defiance. These developments serve as a cautionary tale for other multinational firms operating in Nigeria, reinforcing the message that even the most powerful companies must respect local laws and uphold ethical business practices.
Sector-Wide Implications for Telecom and Content Use
Beyond MTN, these legal actions have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s telecom and digital content industries. Regulators are signaling their intent to enforce consumer protection laws, safeguard intellectual property rights, and ensure compliance from all service providers. In light of these developments, other telecom operators may begin reviewing their own internal practices to avoid facing similar charges.
Moreover, the copyright lawsuit brings much-needed attention to how telecom companies manage digital content distribution, particularly in partnerships with content providers. If proven guilty, MTN may face not just monetary penalties but also sweeping reforms in how it handles digital licensing and royalties.
Looking Ahead: Courtroom Decisions Await
As the legal calendar moves closer to the next court date, all eyes will remain on the Federal High Court and the Attorney General’s office. On September 25, 2025, MTN executives will have to appear for arraignment unless unforeseen delays occur once again. Meanwhile, the AGF’s decision on whether to advance or dismiss the copyright case will likely shape the public narrative and determine how MTN moves forward from these damaging controversies.
Until then, MTN’s executives must prepare for a rigorous legal defense and significant reputational damage control. In Nigeria’s evolving legal and regulatory environment, the message is clear: no corporation, no matter how large or influential, operates above the law.
