After nearly three years of legal entanglement and financial restriction, MTN Cameroon has secured a major victory in a prolonged cross-border dispute that had paralyzed access to over $23 million in its local bank accounts. A ruling by the Littoral Court of Appeal in Douala has ordered the release of the funds, signaling a turning point in one of the more contentious legal battles involving a multinational firm and a politically connected local businessman.
Background: How a South African Loan Sparked a Cameroonian Legal Storm
The dispute stems from a case in South Africa, where First National Bank (FNB) pursued the liquidation of properties belonging to Bestinver Holdings, a company owned by Ahmadou Baba Danpullo, one of Cameroon’s most powerful businessmen. FNB claimed that Danpullo’s companies owed the bank R507 million. The South African courts ruled in FNB’s favor, placing the companies into business rescue in 2020.
In retaliation, Danpullo approached the courts in Cameroon, securing a garnishee order that froze MTN Cameroon’s accounts in September 2022. Danpullo argued that MTN was indirectly linked to FNB through a shareholder connection via South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC)—an assertion both MTN and PIC denied.
“We see the seizure of MTN Cameroon’s accounts as abusive and nothing more than an attempt to access funds that legitimately belong to us,” said Mitwa Ng’ambi, CEO of MTN Cameroon.
Legal Resolution: Court Rules in MTN’s Favor
On February 24, 2025, the appeals court ruled unanimously that the Bestinver Group was not entitled to impose garnishee orders on MTN’s accounts. The telecoms company confirmed the ruling in a statement dated March 31, saying the decision “affirms the legitimacy of its defence and restores its rights.”
“We are grateful to our customers and partners for their trust during this process,” said Ng’ambi. “We assure them of our continued commitment to delivering value.”
The ruling effectively releases MTN’s access to over 14 billion CFA francs (approx. $23.2 million), which had been tied up since 2022.
Why This Matters
With over 15 million users, MTN Cameroon is the country’s largest telecom operator. The financial freeze had significantly impacted its operations, though it continued to provide mobile services throughout the dispute.
This case sheds light on broader risks faced by multinational companies operating in regions where business and political interests can become entangled. It also raises questions about the use of local courts in personal or politically motivated disputes that can affect the economic stability of foreign-owned enterprises.
What’s Next?
While MTN celebrates the legal win, Danpullo’s legal team has already indicated that they will seek enforcement orders to continue the fight.
“We are following legal procedures to obtain an enforcement order,” said Mbanzehe Aggee, a lawyer for Danpullo.
Regardless of future actions, the current ruling provides MTN with the financial breathing room to reinvest, stabilize, and continue building in one of its key markets. The outcome may also influence how courts and governments approach similar disputes involving foreign firms in the future.
