The Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT) has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited, for repeatedly failing to appear before the tribunal in an ongoing case involving alleged violations of Nigerian advertising laws.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) filed a 22-count charge against Captain Sanusi and Aero Contractors, accusing them of running advertisements targeted at the Nigerian market without obtaining mandatory approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), in contravention of established regulations.

The case was first brought before the tribunal on February 26, 2025. However, Captain Sanusi was absent, prompting his legal team to assure the tribunal of his presence at the next hearing while pleading for leniency. Despite these assurances, the defendant failed to appear on the adjourned date.

In response to his continued absence, the AOT, empowered to enforce compliance with advertising regulations, issued the bench warrant. The tribunal has ordered that Captain Sanusi be presented before it on May 8, 2025, the date of the next hearing.

The tribunal?s decision underscores its commitment to upholding advertising standards and ensuring compliance with Nigerian laws. Further updates on the case are expected following the May hearing. (Daily Sun: Text, Excluding Headline)