FCCPC Withdraws Case Against MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola and Other Executives

Good evening, and welcome to the news. Tonight, we bring you a major update from Nigeria’s regulatory and telecommunications space. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, better known as the FCCPC, has formally withdrawn its criminal case against MTN Nigeria, its Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola, and several top executives of the company.

This development comes after months of legal back and forth, allegations of non-compliance, and what many described as a significant test of the regulator’s powers over one of Nigeria’s largest telecom operators.

The Background

The case in question dates back to May 2024, when the FCCPC issued a summons to MTN Nigeria and its leadership. The summons required the company and its executives to produce specific documents and information as part of an ongoing investigation.

Those named in the legal proceedings included Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; Tobechukwu Okigbo, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer; and Ikenna Ikeme, the General Manager for Regulatory Affairs.

According to the charges filed by the commission, the executives failed, refused, or neglected to comply with the summons dated May 17, 2024. The FCCPC further alleged that on June 18, 2024, another formal demand for compliance was issued, but the required documents were not provided.

The commission argued that this refusal to cooperate hindered an ongoing inquiry, thereby constituting an obstruction under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. Specifically, the case cited violations of Section 33, Subsection 3 of the Act, which mandates compliance with lawful requests during investigations.

The Charges

The criminal case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, was seen as a bold move by the FCCPC. It accused the defendants not only of ignoring a lawful summons but also of deliberately impeding the work of regulators tasked with protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair competition in Nigeria’s marketplace.

If proven, such actions could have carried significant legal consequences, both for MTN as a corporate entity and for the individuals named. For many observers, the case symbolized a growing willingness by regulators to hold even the biggest companies accountable.

The Withdrawal

However, in an unexpected twist, just ahead of the scheduled arraignment on September 25, 2025, the FCCPC, through its counsel, filed a notice of withdrawal. The notice requested that the court discontinue proceedings against all defendants.

The decision to withdraw was anchored on the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Section 107 of that Act allows criminal proceedings instituted under any Act of the National Assembly to be discontinued at any stage by the Attorney General or by an authorized agency such as the FCCPC. Similarly, Section 108 grants prosecutors the authority to withdraw charges before a judgment is delivered.

In simple terms, the FCCPC exercised its legal right to step back from the case. The official notice was unambiguous, stating:

“Take notice that the complainant doth hereby wholly withdraw the charge and discontinue the proceedings against the defendants.”

The Court Proceedings

Despite the notice of withdrawal, the court did not sit on the designated date of September 25. This was due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Hauwa Yilwa. As a result, the matter has now been adjourned to October 30, 2025.

At the next sitting, the prosecution is expected to orally adopt the withdrawal application before the court can issue a final ruling to strike out the case. Until then, the matter remains formally pending, although the regulator has made its intentions clear.

Previous Disputes Involving MTN

This is not the first time MTN Nigeria and its leadership have faced legal challenges from regulatory bodies in the country. Earlier in May 2024, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) filed a separate case against the telecom giant and its CEO.

That case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024, alleged that MTN had unlawfully used copyrighted soundtracks as caller ringtones without authorization from the rights holders. The matter also raised issues of evasion, with claims that MTN attempted to avoid being properly served with court documents.

While the Copyright Commission’s case remains separate, it adds to the picture of ongoing tensions between regulators and one of Nigeria’s most influential corporate players.

Implications of the Withdrawal

So, what does this mean for MTN Nigeria, its executives, and the broader business environment?

First, the withdrawal does not equate to a declaration of innocence. Instead, it simply means that the FCCPC has chosen, for now, not to pursue the matter further. The reasons for this decision remain undisclosed, but legal analysts suggest that it could reflect either challenges in proving the case or a broader strategic decision to resolve issues outside of criminal litigation.

Second, the move provides a temporary reprieve for Karl Toriola and his team. For months, the looming arraignment had cast a shadow over MTN’s executive leadership. With this development, that immediate pressure has been lifted, although the October 30 hearing will still be closely watched.

Third, this episode underscores the delicate balance between regulators and corporations in Nigeria. On the one hand, agencies like the FCCPC are empowered to demand accountability and ensure compliance with consumer protection laws. On the other hand, companies like MTN, with millions of subscribers and enormous influence in the economy, are not easily challenged.

Broader Reactions

While official reactions have been muted, industry observers note that the case raises important questions about regulatory enforcement in Nigeria. Some argue that the withdrawal signals weakness on the part of the FCCPC, suggesting it may lack the capacity to sustain high-profile cases against large corporations. Others believe it reflects pragmatism — that the regulator may have found more effective ways to secure compliance without resorting to prolonged litigation.

For consumers, the outcome is less clear. The FCCPC exists to protect consumer rights, and its ability to enforce its mandates directly affects how companies treat their customers. As such, many will be keen to see whether this withdrawal has any impact on the regulator’s credibility or effectiveness going forward.

What to Watch Next

Looking ahead, all eyes are on October 30, 2025. That is when the FCCPC’s withdrawal motion will come up in court for formal adoption. If the judge accepts the motion, the case will be struck out, bringing the matter to an official close.

Meanwhile, stakeholders are also monitoring the ongoing case filed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission. That legal battle, involving allegations of unauthorized use of intellectual property, could once again place MTN and its leadership under the spotlight.

Conclusion

Tonight’s development highlights the complexities of regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s telecom sector. While the FCCPC has backed away from its case against MTN Nigeria’s CEO Karl Toriola and his colleagues, the story is far from over. Questions remain about what prompted the withdrawal, what it means for future enforcement, and how it will shape the relationship between regulators and one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies.

For now, MTN Nigeria can breathe a sigh of relief, but the October 30 hearing will provide the final word on this chapter. Until then, the matter continues to unfold, and we will be bringing you every update as it happens.

That’s the news tonight. Stay tuned for more.