The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered MTN Nigeria Communications Plc to appear and show cause why it should not be subjected to asset-freezing reliefs sought by Access Bank Plc and three other firms over an alleged debt totaling ₦180.95 billion.
Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the directive while ruling on an ex-parte application in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1004/2025, filed by Access Bank and three companies currently under receivership—Multi-Links Telecommunications Limited, Capcom Telecoms Limited, and Cyancom Limited.
The applicants, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), are seeking an interim injunction to prevent MTN from tampering with or transferring funds in any of its Nigerian accounts—up to the alleged indebted sum of ₦180,946,560,000.00—believed to be owed primarily to Multi-Links.
They further requested an order restraining MTN from disposing of, selling, or dealing in its assets, including shares, cash balances, and properties, pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice.
In addition, the plaintiffs asked the court to issue a directive to all financial institutions in Nigeria, compelling them to disclose, under oath, the balances of all accounts maintained by MTN within seven days of receiving the court’s order.
Justice Aluko, while acknowledging the merit of the plaintiffs’ claims, opted not to grant the requested interim orders without first hearing from the defendant.
“Following the strong case already made by the plaintiffs as revealed in their affidavit and documentary exhibits before the Court, it is hereby ordered that the defendant/respondent shall appear in Court at the next date to show cause why the orders sought should not be granted,” the judge ruled.
In a move aimed at speeding up the judicial process, the judge abridged the timeline for MTN to respond, cutting the usual seven-day period for filing a counter-affidavit down to five days.
Justice Aluko explained his decision further, stating: “Upon critical examination of the materials placed before the Court—including affidavits and exhibits—it is clear the plaintiffs have made a compelling case which cannot be ignored.
“However, due to the peculiar nature of the case and the potential implications of the orders sought, especially in light of MTN’s correspondence marked ‘MTN 17,’ the defendant must be heard before any orders are granted.”
The case has been adjourned to June 23, 2025, for MTN to appear and show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.
The unfolding legal battle could have significant financial and reputational implications for MTN, one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications operators, especially if the court eventually grants the asset-freezing orders sought by Access Bank and the three receiver-managed firms.
