A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered MTN Nigeria Communications Plc to appear before it and show cause why the reliefs sought by Access Bank Plc and three other firms over an alleged N180.95 billion debt should not be granted.

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 in receivership: Multi-links Telecommunications Limited, Capcom Telecoms Limited, and Cyancom Limited.

The applicants, represented by Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), sought an interim injunction restraining MTN from withdrawing, tampering with, or dissipating funds across all its accounts in Nigeria up to the sum of N180,946,560,000.00, allegedly owed to Multi-links.

They also requested an order restraining MTN from dealing with or disposing of its assets, including shares, funds, and property, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice. 

Among the orders sought by the applicants are: “An order of interim injunction restraining the all financial institutions (including but not limited to Banks) within the territorial jurisdiction of this Honourable court from dealing with and/or operating the defendant’s account wherever found within the jurisdiction of this honourable court pending the hearing and final determination of the Motion on Notice filed in this suit herein 

“A consequential order of this honourable court directing all banks and financial institutions jurisdiction of this within the territorial honourable court to depose on Oath the sums standing to the credit of the defendant in their custody within seven days from being served with a copy of the Order of Court. 

“And for such further or other order(s) as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”

Additionally, they sought a directive compelling all financial institutions in Nigeria to disclose, under oath, the balances in MTN’s accounts within seven days of receiving the court order.

While acknowledging the strength of the plaintiffs’ case, Justice Aluko declined to grant the requested orders outright. Instead, he ruled that MTN must first be given an opportunity to respond.

“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 held.

He further abridged the time for MTN to file its counter-affidavit from seven days to five, in the interest of expedited proceedings.

Justice Aluko added, “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 court adjourned the matter to June 23, 2025, for MTN to show cause.

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