A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till March 18, for parties in the suit by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited against the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, over the N1.04trillion fine imposed on the telecommunication outfit to settle out of court or hearing in the case would commence.
At the hearing in the matter, yesterday, MTN’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, informed the court that parties were already discussing on how to resolve the matter amicably.
He requested for a 60-day period to allow for the discussions. NCC’s lawyer, Yusuf Alli, SAN, disclosed that the court’s discretion was limited to the rules of court which allows for just 21 days to file and serve written addresses.
Counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Oladipo Okpeseyi, SAN, in his response to Olanipekun’s 60-days request, expressed his reservations, disclosing that the telecommunication outfit has not been consistent in its call for an out-of-court settlement in the matter.
“This is a matter of national importance. There have been concessions in the past and nothing happened,” he said. Following the various submissions of lawyers, trial judge, Justice Mohammad Idris held that all the preliminary objections and substantive application shall be taken together while all the processes filed shall be deemed as properly filed and served.
He then adjourned the matter till March 18, for report of settlement or for hearing in the substantive suit.
VANGUARD
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