The Lagos Federal High Court presided over by Justice Mohammad Idris on Friday adjourned hearing on the suit filed by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited against the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, over the N1.04trillion fine imposed on the telecommunication outfit till March 18.
The trial Judge said the adjournment was to allow both parties involved to try and settle out of court or hearing in the case would commence.
During the hearing, MTN’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, asked the court for a 60-days period to allow for discussion as parties were already discussing on how to resolve the matter amicably.
Counsel to NCC, Yusuf Alli, SAN, stated that the court’s discretion was limited to the rules of court which allows for just 21 days to file and serve written addresses.
Expressing his reservations over the 60 days request by Olanipekun, Counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Oladipo Okpeseyi, SAN,stated that the telecommunication outfit has not been consistent in its call for an out-of-court settlement in the matter.
He said, “This is a matter of national importance. There have been concessions in the past and nothing happened.”
The trial judge, Justice Mohammad Idris ruled that all the preliminary objections and substantive application shall be taken together.
The Judge consequently adjourned the matter till March 18, for report of settlement or for hearing in the substantive suit.
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