FCCPC Withdraws Compliance Case Against MTN Executives, Citing Prosecutorial Judgment

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has decided to drop its case alleging non-compliance against Karl Toriola, the Managing Director of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, along with three top executives. FCCPC’s legal representative, Nsitem Chizenum, submitted the withdrawal, referencing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which permits prosecutors to end proceedings before a verdict is reached. The arraignment, originally planned for September 25, 2025, was postponed to October 30, 2025, due to the absence of Justice Hauwa Yilwa. The formal withdrawal will need to be presented to the court at the next hearing Alleged Breach: FCCPC withdraws case against MTN Nigeria CEO, … [ 1 ].

The FCCPC had previously accused Toriola, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo, and General Manager Ikenna Ikeme of not responding to a summons issued on May 17, 2024, which required them to provide certain documents and information as mandated by the FCCPC Act. The two-count indictment claimed that the defendants obstructed the commission’s investigation into possible anti-competitive conduct, in violation of Section 33(3) of the 2018 statute. According to the commission, the lack of cooperation hindered its ability to carry out its investigative duties FG Moves to Withdraw Case Against MTN Nigeria CEO Karl … [ 2 ].

The legal basis for the withdrawal is found in Sections 107 and 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which authorize prosecutors to discontinue charges at any point before a judgment is delivered. In its submission, the FCCPC highlighted the importance of prosecutorial discretion, stating that “the complainant hereby fully withdraws the charge and ceases proceedings against the defendants.” This action is consistent with the court’s inherent authority to manage its docket efficiently Alleged FCCPC Act Violation: Court Reschedules Arraignment of … [ 3 ].

The rescheduling to October 30, 2025, was a result of procedural setbacks, specifically the judge’s unavailability, which illustrates the administrative hurdles often present in high-profile regulatory matters. The FCCPC’s move to drop the case stands in contrast to its previous stance in another legal matter. In May 2024, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) also took legal action against Toriola and MTN Nigeria for alleged copyright violations, further exposing the company to ongoing legal risks Alleged Breach: FCCPC withdraws case against MTN Nigeria CEO, … [ 1 ].

This withdrawal highlights a shift in the FCCPC’s enforcement strategy. Although the commission has expressed its intent to pursue anti-competitive practices, questions remain about its effectiveness in ensuring compliance. The dispute with MTN Nigeria, which focused on the submission of documents, points to the broader difficulties in balancing regulatory demands with corporate cooperation. Observers suggest that the delay may prolong uncertainty regarding the commission’s investigative reach, but the withdrawal itself spares the defendants from immediate reputational or financial harm FG Moves to Withdraw Case Against MTN Nigeria CEO Karl … [ 2 ].

This situation is part of a wider regulatory environment in which MTN Nigeria is subject to several investigations. The NCC’s separate copyright lawsuit, which alleges unauthorized use of music as caller tunes, is still ongoing. These concurrent legal proceedings underscore the company’s exposure to regulatory challenges, especially in industries with intricate compliance obligations Alleged FCCPC Act Violation: Court Reschedules Arraignment of … [ 3 ].