PRESS RELEASE

#Justice : Alleged Judicial Corruption Involving MTN Cameroon - AC Shining Stars Calls for Vigilance from International Investors and Regulators

Dublin, Ireland — April 20, 2026 — AC Shining Stars Management Ltd (ACS), an Irish company and owner of the international MOBILE MONEY® trademark registered in 37 jurisdictions (WIPO ref. ROM.1318304, classes 9/36/38), and plaintiff in a nearly €4 billion lawsuit against MTN Group and MTN Cameroon, takes careful note of information published on April 17, 2026, by the media outlet Panorama Papers.

Reported Facts

According to the article, the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, formally instructed the Minister of Justice to launch an investigation targeting the President of the Littoral Court of Appeal in Douala, Judge Arroye Betou. The allegations concern payments of several billion CFA francs (millions of euros) to the magistrate to influence judicial decisions in a dispute involving MTN Cameroon. These allegations have not yet been subject to a final judicial ruling.

ACS notes that the Littoral Court of Appeal is the direct appellate jurisdiction above the Bonanjo Court of First Instance in Douala — the very tribunal where ACS's criminal complaint against MTN Cameroon is currently under instruction. 

A Systemic ESG Governance Risk

ACS considers this development to illustrate a worrying pattern of governance risks associated with MTN Group's operations across its African markets. When a multinational corporation is suspected of resorting to judicial corruption to protect its commercial interests, it constitutes a major ESG risk for the entire economic ecosystem. It contributes to the downgrading of African sovereign credit ratings on international capital markets, to higher borrowing costs for African states, and ultimately to the deprivation of essential services for ordinary citizens — healthcare, education, infrastructure, and food security.


ACS further notes that MTN Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and present on US markets via ADR, and that a merger with IHS Towers is currently underway (agreement signed February 17, 2026, End Date November 17, 2026). These elements make full and transparent disclosure to all stakeholders all the more necessary.

The Words of Pope Leo XIV

ACS notes that Pope Leo XIV, on apostolic visit to Cameroon, declared on April 16, 2026: "Africa needs to be freed from the scourge of corruption." (Source: KTO / Paris Match). This exhortation resonates with particular force at a time when official investigations in Cameroon during this visit target senior magistrates in disputes involving multinational corporations. 

ACS Position

Cédric ATANGANA, Chairman of AC Shining Stars Management Ltd, states:

"Transparency and the rule of law are not optional. They are essential conditions for Africa to attract the capital it deserves, at fair rates, free from corruption. Justice must not be bought. We call on MTN Group's investors, regulators, clients and partners to exercise the greatest vigilance in light of these developments."

Sources and References


About AC Shining Stars Management Ltd (ACS) ACS is an Irish company (Reg. No. 703071) and owner of the international MOBILE MONEY® trademark in 37 jurisdictions (WIPO ref. ROM.1318304; INPI France No. 4263283; OAPI No. 92205, classes 9/36/38). ACS is plaintiff in a ~€4 billion lawsuit against MTN Group, MTN Cameroon, and Mobile Money Corporation Ltd before the Bonanjo Court of First Instance in Douala.

Lead counsel: Cabinet Étoile Avocats, Maître Paul Bayemi, Paris, France.

Press contact: [email protected] | www.acshiningstars.com