FCCPC Faces Contempt Proceedings Over Airtime Loan Case

A contempt proceeding has been initiated against the executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr Tunji Bello, for allegedly disobeying a court order related to the enforcement of contested regulations in the telecommunications sector.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos had on April 15, 2026 restrained the FCCPC, its officers, employees and agents from enforcing the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025, known as the DEON Regulations.

However, in the Form 45, Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Court Order, the court notified the FCCPC of the potential for imprisonment if it fails to comply with the order.

This notice, linked to Suit No: FHC/L/CS/760/2026 between the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) and the FCCPC, signals the start of committal proceedings against the FCCPC and its officials for alleged defiance of the court’s directive.

“Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of this Honourable Court, you will be guilty of contempt of court and may be committed to prison,” the notice read.

Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa reaffirmed that the interim injunction remains in force and ordered that both the main case and the FCCPC’s preliminary objection be heard together on May 15.

Previously, the court rejected the FCCPC’s request to lift the restraining order, opting to maintain the status quo to protect providers of airtime lending, data advances and other mobile value-added services.

WASPAN disputes the FCCPC’s authority to regulate telecom-based lending, arguing that certain provisions of the DEON Regulations exceed the commission’s powers and infringe on the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) jurisdiction.

The association also opposes lifting the injunction, asserting it would enable the enforcement of regulations currently under judicial review.

The DEON Regulations, introduced by the FCCPC via Government Notice No. 3 on July 24, 2025, aim to regulate unsecured digital lending, including airtime and data credit services.