MTN lined up top lawyers for Nigerian battle

MTN, Africa’s largest mobile phone operator, have assembled high profile lawyers to argue their case in Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria. By Staff Writer

The South African based mobile phone operator has hired seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to fight the R59 billion ($3.9 billion) fine imposed on it by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), according to Africa Review

MTN was given a December 31 deadline to pay the fine for its failure to disconnect 5.2 million subscribers who did not register their SIM cards. But on Thursday announced it was planning to challenge in court a $3,9 billion fine imposed on it by the NCC.

The mobile phone operator said it has followed due process and has instructed its lawyers to proceed with an action in the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the appropriate reliefs.

MTN added that is advised that in the current circumstances in line with pending legal action the NCC is restrained from taking further action until the matter is finally determined.

The Africa Review said that MTN has acquired as lead lawyer Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who is leading the others against the federal government and NCC before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

The debacle has resulted in MTN Nigeria’s CEO Michael Ikpoki and the head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Akinwale Goodluck to resign.

MTN  Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa also tendered his resignation

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