US judge lets terrorism lawsuits against MTN proceed to discovery phase

US District Judge Carol Bagley Amon denied MTN’s requests to reconsider or immediately appeal rulings allowing Zobay v MTN and the related Long case to proceed, clearing the way for evidence gathering. The cases allege MTN’s former Iran and Afghanistan operations assisted entities linked to terrorism, including claims MTN joint-ventured with IRGC-connected partners for Irancell and shut Afghan cell towers at Taliban’s request. Judge Amon found these allegations go beyond ordinary commercial services and rejected MTN’s argument that a 2025 banking case changed the legal standard. MTN maintains the rulings are procedural and insists evidence will show it was not a culpable participant, noting it expects to disprove allegations during discovery. The litigation comes as MTN already booked a R3.9 billion ($238.4 million) impairment on Irancell assets in its June 30 interim results, citing sanctions and geopolitical instability in Iran. While MTN says there are no material updates on related Cabrera and Chand & Davis cases, the Zobay and Long cases moving to discovery means both sides can now seek evidence before potential summary judgment applications. For Nigerians, MTN’s dominant market position means any significant financial liability could impact network investments, dividend payouts, or service pricing—though the company stresses allegations remain unproven and it will defend proceedings vigorously.

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/09/30/mtn-us-terrorism-lawsuits-discovery/