The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned to May 22, 2026, the hearing of committal proceedings filed against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The case involves an alleged breach of a court order that suspended the enforcement of the Digital Electronic Online and Non-Traditional Lending Regulations.
The suit was initiated by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/GTE (WASPAN) against the FCCPC concerning the controversial regulations. During the proceedings, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), counsel for the applicant, brought to the court's attention what he described as the FCCPC's contemptuous conduct despite the existing order restraining the implementation and enforcement of the regulations.
Pinheiro argued that the court must first protect its authority and sanctity before proceeding with the hearing of pending applications. He further informed the court that the applicant had notified the FCCPC's counsel of the alleged acts of disobedience. Instead of advising compliance with the court order, the FCCPC's counsel allegedly justified the actions in a letter dated May 5, 2026. According to Pinheiro, the FCCPC maintained in the letter that the actions of telecommunications companies were independent business decisions unrelated to the Digital Electronic Online and Non-Traditional Lending Regulations.
In response, Funke Aboyade (SAN), counsel for the FCCPC, argued that the matter scheduled for hearing was the commission's preliminary objection alongside the originating summons. She contended that the court could not proceed with the committal proceedings at this stage. However, the court upheld the applicant's position, stating that it was inclined to first determine the issue of the alleged contempt to preserve the authority and sanctity of the court.
The court further stressed that its orders must be obeyed and guarded jealously, adding that no party, irrespective of any jurisdictional objection, has the liberty to disregard subsisting court orders. The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 22, 2026.
