Widow Sues Airtel, ATC Over Telecom Mast

A dispute involving telecommunications infrastructure has come before the High Court of Lagos State, where a widow identified as Mrs. Sarah Akinya is seeking ₦232 million in damages from Airtel Networks Limited and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited over alleged noise pollution, structural damage and other environmental disturbances linked to a telecom mast near her residence in Okota, Lagos.

The suit, marked LD/970/2007, is before the Lagos Judicial Division of the High Court and presided over by Justice Bashua. Akinya, who instituted the action for herself and members of her household, is also asking the court to order the removal of the installation or restrain the defendants from continuing activities she says constitute an environmental nuisance.

Court documents show that Akinya has occupied her four-bedroom bungalow at No. 2 Alhaji Adeniran Street, off Moshobolaje Street, off Ago Palace Way, Okota, since December 1995.

The dispute reportedly began in April 2004 when Airtel Networks Limited commenced construction on an adjoining property at No. 4 Alhaji Adeniran Street. By July of that year, the claimant said it had become clear that the company was installing a telecommunications mast identified as LAG 101 Base Station.

The installation, according to her amended statement of claim, included a high-capacity mast, heavy-duty electricity generators, an energy reservoir and fuel storage facilities. The equipment was allegedly located about four metres from her property’s perimeter wall.

Akinya, through her counsel, Ajibola O. Ajiboye of Fadeson Legal Practice, alleged that the continuous operation of the generators had exposed her household to persistent noise and vibrations, causing cracks in the walls of her building and the boundary fence.

She further claimed that fumes, smoke and other emissions from the installation had spread into her living environment, settling on household furniture and floors and creating what she described as serious health concerns for the occupants.

The claimant is asking the court to award ₦200 million as damages for nuisance arising from the alleged vibration, noise, noxious fumes, toxic smoke and radiation associated with the installation.

She is also demanding ₦32 million in general damages for alleged annoyance, discomfort, illness, inconvenience, pain and suffering.

In addition to the monetary claims, Akinya wants the court to order the defendants to dismantle the telecommunications installation and relocate it to a safer location. Alternatively, she is seeking an injunction restraining them from continuing the alleged nuisance.

The case took another turn on January 15, 2026, when Justice Bashua made an order joining ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited as the second defendant.

ATC, whose office is located on the 10th Floor, Alliance Place, 33A Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was joined because it is identified in the court documents as the entity currently responsible for managing and operating the mast.

The claimant’s case also includes an allegation of negligence involving damage to her perimeter fence. She stated that a trailer conveying a generator intended for the mast struck the fence, damaging it in an incident allegedly witnessed by maintenance operators.

According to the court documents, the operators promised to repair the damaged section, but the work was not completed. The weakened fence later collapsed during heavy rainfall, leaving the property exposed and raising security concerns for the occupants.

The claimant also relied on regulatory intervention by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), which reportedly inspected the facility and recorded noise levels above the permitted limits for a residential area.

The inspection report cited readings of 71 decibels at the entrance of the property and 61 decibels at a distance of five metres. These were above the reported residential standards of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.

LASEPA, under its General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, reportedly directed the operators to address the noise problem, install soundproofing measures, redirect exhaust pipes and comply with applicable environmental requirements.

The agency’s reported intervention forms part of the claimant’s case that the activities at the site have affected the peaceful enjoyment and safety of her home.

Further correspondence was also issued by Fadeson Legal Practice to ATC Nigeria’s management on September 2, 2026, concerning the dispute. Copies were reportedly served on the Registrar of the High Court of Lagos State, Yaba Division.

The proceedings will require the court to consider the claimant’s allegations against the defendants, including whether the operation of the telecommunications facility caused the alleged property damage, nuisance and environmental disturbance.

The defendants’ responses and the evidence presented during the proceedings will be important in determining responsibility and the remedies, if any, available to the claimant.

The case places before the court questions concerning the operation of telecommunications infrastructure close to residential buildings, the responsibility of companies managing such facilities and the protection of property owners from alleged environmental nuisance.