By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The legal action instituted by HEDA Resource Centre in Nigeria against MTN Nigeria and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited, seeking to prevent the defendants from operating base stations near IHS Towers Nigeria, has been thrown out by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
Business Post reports that the court dismissed the suit filed by the HEDA Resource Centre in Nigeria because it was speculative and failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action.
The firm had rushed to court to stop the telecommunications giant and ATC Nigeria from constructing or operating such stations “within close proximity” to its stations.
However, the court, in a judgement last Friday, held that the prayers requested by the HEDA Resource Center in Nigeria could not be granted, permitting ATC Nigeria to go ahead with its operations unhindered.
“We are pleased to announce that, on Friday, June 21, 2024, the court struck out HEDA’s suit against ATC Nigeria and MTN Nigeria on the grounds that it was speculative and failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action.
“American Tower has always been and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of legal compliance and operational integrity in all its activities.
“We are pleased that the court recognized the speculative nature of HEDA’s lawsuit, and we are hopeful that this outcome will send a message to other similar potential speculative lawsuits.
“We appreciate the support and understanding of all our stakeholders as we continue to invest in, and provide critical infrastructure for, Nigeria’s telecommunications industry,” a statement issued by ATC Nigeria said.