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Tag: MTN

  • IHS Towers, MTN renew lease

    IHS Towers, MTN renew lease

    IHS in Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited (IHS Towers), one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, and MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of Africa’s largest mobile network operator MTN Group, yesterday announced an agreement to renew and extend all Nigerian tower Master Lease Agreements until December 2032, covering approximately 13,500 tenancy contracts.

    A statement endorsed by Company Secretary at MTN Nigeria, Uto Ukpanah explained that further to the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on April 30, 2024, “MTN Nigeria Communications Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the company and IHS have successfully renegotiated binding commercial terms of the existing infrastructure sharing and master lease agreements.

    The statement added that it was one of the initiatives outlined at the EGM to support the recovery of the telco’s capital position.

    Commenting on the agreements, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said: “We are pleased with the successful renegotiation of our tower lease agreements with IHS and ATC, which reflect a collaborative and mutually beneficial outcome aligned with the long-term interests of all parties involved. We anticipate that these amendments will unlock significant network cost efficiencies in line with our expense efficiency programme to improve our operating margins and capital position over the medium term.”

    Chairman and CEO, IHS Towers, Sam Darwish, said: “We are delighted to announce the renewal and extension of our agreement with our largest customer, MTN Nigeria. This marks a significant milestone for IHS Towers as it has completed the renewal of all tower MLA’s in Nigeria, a testament to the deepened relationship between the two companies. We are cognizant of the challenges faced in emerging markets and are proud to extend our relationship into the next decade, working together to navigate global and local macro conditions while broadening mobile connectivity in Nigeria through our critical infrastructure.”

    Read Also: MTN, Kosofe council partner to lift SMEs

    With regards to the approximately 2,500 MTN Nigeria tenancies that had been due to expire at the end of 2024 and in 2025, under the new terms IHS Towers will renew 1,430 tenancies (including new collocations).

    The renewed and extended contracts include new financial terms that provide what the parties believe to be a more sustainable split between local and foreign currency, as well as a new diesel-linked component. The arrangement is testament to the criticality of IHS Towers’ infrastructure and the strong operational links between IHS Towers and MTN, Nigeria’s largest mobile network operator, with approximately 79 million subscribers.

    Under the new terms, there is a USD component that will continue to benefit from annual escalators linked to US Consumer Price Index, a NGN component that will benefit from escalators linked to Nigerian Consumer Price Index, and a new component indexed to the cost of providing diesel power, introduced to act as a hedge against diesel prices and FX fluctuations.

    This marks a significant milestone for IHS Towers as it has now completed the renewal of all tower MLA’s in Nigeria, a testament to the deepened relationship between the two companies.

    Commenting on the agreements, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said: “We are pleased with the successful renegotiation of our tower lease agreements with IHS and ATC, which reflect a collaborative and mutually beneficial outcome aligned with the long-term interests of all parties involved. We anticipate that these amendments will unlock significant network cost efficiencies in line with our expense efficiency programme to improve our operating margins and capital position over the medium term.”

    Chairman and CEO, IHS Towers, Sam Darwish, said: “We are delighted to announce the renewal and extension of our agreement with our largest customer, MTN Nigeria. This marks a significant milestone for IHS Towers as it has completed the renewal of all tower MLA’s in Nigeria, a testament to the deepened relationship between the two companies. We are cognizant of the challenges faced in emerging markets and are proud to extend our relationship into the next decade, working together to navigate global and local macro conditions while broadening mobile connectivity in Nigeria through our critical infrastructure.”

  • MTN, Kosofe council partner to lift SMEs

    MTN, Kosofe council partner to lift SMEs

    Small businesses within the Kosofe local government area and its environs have received a major boost with the synergy of cooperation forged by the council and Momo PSB, a subsidiary of the telecom giant MTN.

    In a statement released by the chief press secretary to the chairman of the council, Comrade Olúwọlé Òbísànyà-Lábíà, quoted Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, the chairman said that the move is to stimulate socioeconomic growth at the grassroots.

    The collaboration, Ogunlewe stressed, aims to empower small businesses, including artisans and petty traders within Kosofe, noting that this continuous empowerment programme, set to run at regular intervals, is poised to inject vital support into the local economy.

    In the statement which reads in part, Ogunlewe said: “This partnership is expected to provide much-needed resources and opportunities for small business owners, potentially transforming lives and boosting the community’s overall prosperity.

    Read Also: ‘MSMEs need digital marketing skills’

    “By joining forces with a major financial services provider, Barr Ogunlewe demonstrates his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development within Kosofe LGA.

    “As this programme unfolds, residents of Kosofe can look forward to a more vibrant and resilient local economy,” the council boss maintained.

    Echoing similar sentiments, representatives of MOMO PSB Mr. Emmanuel Akhigbe and Mrs. Oluwaseun Sokoya expressed optimism that the groundbreaking initiative will help to uplift the standards of living of residents of the council in more ways than one.

    The partnership, they emphasised, will go a long way in providing opportunities for small businesses and also has the potential to transform lives as well as boost the community’s overall prosperity.

  • MTN N1.9b fraud case: Suspects get N50m bail

    MTN N1.9b fraud case: Suspects get N50m bail

    A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos yesterday granted a N50 million bail to alleged fraudsters, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola and Anthony Imonina Odemerho, who ‘defrauded’ MTN Nigeria Communication of N1.9 billion.

    Justice Akintayo Aluko granted them the bail after hearing two applications filed by the defendants.

    In addition, Justice Aluko also ordered the defendants to provide two sureties each who must be a civil servant either in the federal or Lagos State civil service, on grade level 14 and above, while the second surety, must be a landed property owner, provide evidence of ownership, and swear to an affidavit.

    The civil servant must produce a reference letter from his place of work, and last promotion letter, while the defendants must submit two passport photographs to the registrar of the court.

    Justice Aluko ordered that the prosecution should verify documents submitted by the sureties, including their residential addresses.

    The court further ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS),  until they fulfill their bail conditions.

    Men of the Police Special Fraud Unit, Milverton Road Ikoyi, Lagos had last week arraigned Oluwabukola and Odemerho, said to be a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Proprietor, Resign Regal Academy in Benin City, Edo State for allegedly hacking into MTN’s Application Programming Interface (API)  and stole N1.9billion airtime and data.

    The defendants were arraigned on a four count-charge of conspiracy, unauthorised access into the company’s web-based platform and unlawful conversion.

    The two men and others said to be at large were allegedly committed the offences between January and April, this year, in Lagos and Edo states.

    The prosecutor, Justine Enang said the defendants and others accessed the telecom’s API and obtained data from the said application, which they used to defraud MTN of N1.9 billion.

    He submitted that the alleged illegal acts of the defendants, contravened Section 27(1)(b); 6(2) and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders crackdown on those flying Russian flag

    He further submitted  that the offence is contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act, 2022 but punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

    However, the two defendants pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.

    Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date, and urged the court to remand them in the custody of the NCoS till the determination of the charge.

    But, the defence lawyer informed the court that he had filed two applications for bail and the same had been served on the prosecutor.

    In response, the prosecutor confirmed being served with the bail applications, but told the court that he was served while the proceedings were on.

    Charges against the defendants are “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to intentionally and without authorization, gained access into MTN Nigeria Communications Plc computer system/network, with intent to obtain data from the said computer system/network, which you subsequently used to defraud the company (MTN) to the tune of N1, 900, 000, 000, and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act. ‘

  • ‘How student hackers stole N1.9b data, airtime from MTN’

    ‘How student hackers stole N1.9b data, airtime from MTN’

    The Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos have brought two students – Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola and Anthony Imonina Odemerho – before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking MTN Nigeria Communication’s computers and stealing airtime and data worth N1.9 billion.

    Oluwabukola and Odemerho, students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Resign Regal Academy in Benin City, Edo State, were arraigned before Justice Akintayo Aluko, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unauthorised access into the company’s web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface (API) and unlawful conversion.

    The duo, who pleaded not guilty, and others at large, allegedly committed the offence between January and April this year, in Lagos and Edo states.

    Prosecution counsel Justine Enang, alleged that the defendants conspired and accessed the telco’s Application Programming Interface (API) and obtained data from the said application, which they used to defraud MTN to the tune of N1.9 billion.

    He informed the court that the alleged illegal act contravened Section 27(1)(b); 6(2) and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

    He added that the offences contravened section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act, 2022, punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

    The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.

    The prosecutor asked for a trial date and urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) till the determination of the charge.

    Read Also: Wike: senator behind protests in FCT

    But the defence lawyers informed the court that they had filed their clients’ bail applications.

    Justice Aluko adjourned till August 5 for hearing of the defendants’ bail applications.

    The charges against the defendants read: “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to intentionally and without authorisation, gained access into MTN Nigeria Communications Plc computer system/network, with intent to obtain data from the said computer system/network, which you subsequently used to defraud the company (MTN) to the tune of N1.9billion, and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

    “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and Others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, intentionally and without authorisation, accessed the computer system or network of MTN Nigeria Communication Pie through the unlawful use of authorisation keys and passwords to gain access to MTN web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface (API), with intent of obtaining airtime data from the said computer system or network, valued at N1.9billion, which you sold to the public and converted the proceeds of same to your own use and benefit, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 6(2) of the Cybercrime (prevention, prohibition, etc) Act, 2015 is amended in 2024.’’

  • Police: How student hackers stole N1.9b data, airtime from MTN

    Police: How student hackers stole N1.9b data, airtime from MTN

    The Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos have brought two students- Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola and Anthony Imonina Odemerho – before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking MTN Nigeria Communication’s computers and stealing airtime and data worth N1.9 billion.

    Oluwabukola and Odemerho, students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Resign Regal Academy in Benin City, Edo State, were arraigned before Justice Akintayo Aluko, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unauthorised access into the company’s web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface (API) and unlawful conversion.

    The duo, who pleaded not guilty, and others at large, allegedly committed the offence between January and April this year, in Lagos and Edo states.

    Prosecution counsel Justine Enang, alleged that the defendants conspired and accessed the telco’s Application Programming Interface (API) and obtained data from the said application, which they used to defraud MTN to the tune of N1.9 billion.

    He informed the court that the alleged illegal act contravened Section 27(1)(b); 6(2) and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

    He added that the offences contravened section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act, 2022, punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

    The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the four counts charge.

    The prosecutor asked for a trial date and urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) till the determination of the charge.

    But the defence lawyers informed the court that they had filed their clients’ bail applications.

    Justice Aluko adjourned till August 5 for hearing of the defendants’ bail applications.

    The charges against the defendants read: “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to intentionally and without authorization, gained access into MTN Nigeria Communications Plc computer system/network, with intent to obtain data from the said computer system/network, which you subsequently used to defraud the company (MTN) to the tune of One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000), and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

    “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and Others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, intentionally and without authorization, accessed the computer system or network of MTN Nigeria Communication Pie through the unlawful use of authorization keys and passwords to gain access to MTN web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface (API), with intent of obtaining airtime data from the said computer system or network, valued at One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira N1, 900, 000, 000), which you sold to the public and converted the proceeds of same to your own use and benefit, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 6(2) of the Cybercrime (prevention, prohibition, etc) Act, 2015 is amended in 2024,

    “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and thers at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, unlawfully manipulated MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN) computer system authorization keys or passwords which you used to access MTN. web-based platform also known as Application Programme Interface (API) and fraudulently obtained airtime from the said computer system, valued at N1,900,000,000 (One billion, Nine hundred Million Naira) which you later converted to data and sold to the public and thereby caused financial loss to MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 28(1)(b) of the cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 28(4) of the same Act.

    “That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and hers at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos and Edo States, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, directly and intentionally converted MTN Nigeria Communications Plc property to wit: airtime valued One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1, 900, 000, 000) to data which you sold to members of the public and later used the proceeds for your own benefits, which property/airtime, you knew or reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful act, namely unauthorized access into MIN computer system/network where the property/airtime was stored, and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act, 2022 but punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

  • BREAKING: MTN shuts offices nationwide

    BREAKING: MTN shuts offices nationwide

    Telecoms giant, MTN, has shut all its stores and service centres across Nigeria.

    The Nation gathered that the decision was due to the vandalisation of the company’s offices by aggrieved customers whose lines were disconnected in line with the government’s NIN-SIM linkage policy.

    On Monday, a group of angry customers had pulled down the fence at an MTN Nigeria office in Festac town, Lagos.

    Read Also: MTN Foundation, others battle drug abuse among youths

    The incident happened after subscribers besieged the office to lodge complaints about the recent blocking of their telephone lines by the telecommunication company.

    In other parts of the country, aggrieved subscribers besieged MTN offices to express l frustration and disappointment over the telecom company’s blocking of phone numbers.

    Confirming the closure, a terse statement on X (formerly Twitter), they said: “Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024.”

    Details shortly… 

  • MTN Foundation, others battle drug abuse among youths

    MTN Foundation, others battle drug abuse among youths

    MTN Foundation has said it is intensifying efforts to combat substance abuse among youths through its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme of 2019.

    This initiative, it said, followed alarming statistics showing approximately 40 per cent of Nigerians, aged 18-35, struggle with drug addiction.

    According to a statement, ASAP aims to raise awareness about detrimental effects of substance abuse through advocacy walks, educational programmes, and stakeholder conferences in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

    The foundation noted it has partnered National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to host the annual National Conference on World Drug Day, highlighting importance of early intervention and prevention.

    Read Also: Tinubu addressing demands, no need for protest – FEC

    ‘“The urgency of addressing substance abuse cannot be overstated. Beyond its immediate health consequences, substance abuse erodes social cohesion, diminishes educational attainment, and hampers economic progress,” the statement said.

    MTN ASAP campaign, with its holistic approach and partnerships, represents a source of optimism in this struggle, the foundation said.

    By fostering a culture of prevention and support, ASAP is seeking to deter initial experimentation with drugs and offers a lifeline to those grappling with addiction.

    Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, stressed the collective responsibility in tackling this issue, saying “it is everyone’s fight because their high is our low.”

    Sanya noted that the sentiment resonates deeply as Nigerians unite under ASAP, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the well-being and future of youths.

    The director said through its advocacy walks and educational initiatives, MTN Foundation and its partners reaffirm their resolve to combat substance abuse and empower a generation resilient to its influence.

  • JUST IN: Subscribers besiege MTN offices over barred lines

    JUST IN: Subscribers besiege MTN offices over barred lines

    Aggrieved subscribers have besieged MTN offices across the country to express frustration and disappointment over the telecom company’s blocking of phone numbers.

    MTN barred the mobile lines of several users on Sunday, allegedly for failing to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their mobile phone numbers.

    The Nation learnt it was a reaction to the directive of the Nigeria Communications Commission to disconnect Subscriber Identity Module numbers (telephone lines) not linked to the National Identification Numbers, which was scheduled to take effect on July 31, 2024.

    As of the time of filing this report, the telecoms firm was yet to issue an official statement on the controversy. It is unclear how many mobile phone numbers were affected.

    Read Also: MICDEE ends workspace project for MTN

    Some of the subscribers, in the early hours of Monday, July 29, 2024, arrived at the MTN offices with long queues formed at the entrances.

    The latest deadline was extended from April 15, 2024, to July 31.

    However, most subscribers say their lines have been blocked even though they have successfully linked their SIMs with their NINs.

    On February 29, NCC said 45 million subscribers would be barred for not implementing the linkage.

  • MTN, MUSON commit to creating music talents

    MTN, MUSON commit to creating music talents

    MTN Foundation and Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) have  celebrated graduation of their latest scholars.

    The event at MUSON Centre showcased the impact of MTN MUSON Scholarship Programme, which nurtures musical talents.

    All 29 scholars showcased their musical prowess, growth and achievement. These young musicians, beneficiaries of top-tier classical music education, performed a mix of classical and Afrobeat pieces, demonstrating their dedication and training.

    Among the graduates was “Lala” Adebayo Gabriel, who began his classical music journey at MUSON. Lala, joined the programme with two Grade 5 certificates, and earned 10 professional certificates. He has evolved into a professional bass and electric bassist, producing music, mixing and mastering, directing choirs, and working as a movie sound designer.

    “MUSON has been impactful,” Lala said. “It has helped me grow into a well-rounded musician.”

    Read Also: AGF seeks to take over trial of MTN Nigeria CEO, others

    Maria Nnaji, said her knowledge and skills have improved under her vocal coach, Princess Adebanke, director of School of Music at MUSON.

    “Adebanke helps amplify my strength and improves my weaknesses; she pushes me to realise my potential,” she said.  

    Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, noted. “When you look at what’s happening in the country, there’s no reason for us to continue with this. But that just shows MTN’s dedication towards youth development in Nigeria,” she said. 

    “MUSON is like a diamond in the rough. Every year, we polish and push out musical talents. The journey has been 17 years and stronger over the years.”

    She also admonished the students, charging them to also be a source of impact and agents of change in their society.  “Even if you don’t pay it forward in MUSON, please continue to pay it forward, remembering that some people took a chance on you. And that’s why you are here today.”

  • AGF seeks to take over trial of MTN Nigeria CEO, others

    AGF seeks to take over trial of MTN Nigeria CEO, others

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) is seeking to take over the trial of Karl Toriola, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, and others.

    Fagbemi’s counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imana, told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, upon resumed hearing in the matter, that the prosecuting agency, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and the police, have been notified through a letter to furnish the AGF’s office with a report.

    “The matter is slated for plea. However, I have the instruction of the Attorney-General to take over this matter this morning pursuant to the powers of the AGF under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” she said.

    Mrs. Imana thereafter sought an adjournment for her office to do a review of the case file and Justice Ekwo fixed October 10 for the defendants to take their plea.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter was, on June 27, stalled due to the judge’s absence.

    Although the matter was fixed for arraignment of Toriola and others, the case could not go on and was subsequently fixed for September 26 for the defendants to take their plea.

    However, the matter was brought forward for the defendants to take their plea.

    Other defendants in the charge are MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; MTN Senior Executive Officer Nkeakam Abhulimen; Fun Mobile Ltd, a telecommunications service provider; and Yahaya Maibe, its CEO as 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants.

    Toriola is named as 2nd defendant.

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    The NCC, on May 14, accused Toriola, of evading service of court documents in the alleged copyright infringement charge.

    On June 22, a musician, Maleke Moye, who is the nominal complainant, raised alarm over alleged plans by the AGF to take over ongoing trial of the telecommunications company and its CEO.

    The musician said the minister’s directive for the prosecuting agency, NCC, to hands off the trial and forward the case file to his office portends impending dangerous precedence.

    In the three count-count charge dated March 19 and filed March 20 by Emeka Ogbonna on NCC’s behalf, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017, ‘offered for sale, sold and traded for business, infringed musical works of Maleke Moye, an artiste, without his consent and authorisation’.