Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe

As competition in telecoms becomes truly global, governance is no longer just about compliance; it is a strategic imperative. In our latest insight, we examine how Nigerian telecom companies can align with international standards to attract investment, build trust, and future-proof their operations. From the evolving role of the Company Secretary to the demands of ESG, cybersecurity, and AI oversight, the time to modernise governance frameworks is now. https://www.doa-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Corporate-Governance-Standards-in-the-Telecoms-Industry.pdf

Following the release of the 2024 Guidelines for Bureau De Change (BDC) Operations, the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced higher capital thresholds, revised licensing tiers, and a compliance deadline of June 3, 2025. In this article, Simisola Eyisanmi and Bankole Oke explore the recapitalisation strategies available to BDCs, from equity and debt financing to mergers and retained earnings, within the context of Nigeria’s evolving capital market. http://doa-law.com/recapitalisation-options

Can a bank restrict a customer’s account without a court order? According to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, the answer is yes. If there’s a report of fraud or suspicious activity, a bank may act immediately. In a landmark decision delivered on March 13, 2025, the Court affirmed the authority of banks to take swift protective action under CBN Guidelines and customer agreements. This ruling strengthens fraud prevention measures and raises important questions about the future of financial regulation. Our team unpacks the implications for digital banking, customer rights, and regulatory reform. Click the link below to read more. Read More >>  

We are pleased to have acted as legal counsel to 5554 Technologies Inc. on the sale of Bankly, a leading Nigerian microfinance and fintech institution with over 2 million customers and a nationwide agent network of more than 50,000. Bankly is known for its pioneering role in digitising informal savings and deepening financial inclusion within Nigeria’s informal economy. The acquisition was completed by C-One Ventures Platform, a Nigerian investment firm focused on technology and finance. This milestone ensures the continued realisation of Bankly’s vision to provide accessible, inclusive financial solutions to Nigerians. We are proud to have provided strategic legal guidance throughout this transaction. The deal was led by Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Managing Partner, with key support from Tomiwa Ogunbanwo, Managing Associate, alongside Associates Chukwuebuka Okoli-Akirika and Grace Ama. We remain committed to facilitating transactions that advance innovation and economic growth both within Nigeria and across global markets.

Can a bank restrict a customer’s account without a court order? According to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, the answer is yes. If there’s a report of fraud or suspicious activity, a bank may act immediately. In a landmark decision delivered on March 13, 2025, the Court affirmed the authority of banks to take swift protective action under CBN Guidelines and customer agreements. This ruling strengthens fraud prevention measures and raises important questions about the future of financial regulation. Our team unpacks the implications for digital banking, customer rights, and regulatory reform. Click the link below to read more. Read More at https://www.doa-law.com/court-of-appeal-affirms-banks-right-to-restrict-accounts-without-court-order/

We are pleased to have acted as legal counsel to Yikodeen Company Limited ("Yikodeen"), the subsidiary of Yikodeen Africa Corporation, the Mauritius-incorporated holding company and a prominent manufacturer of quality footwear and leather products in Nigeria. This engagement was in connection with a strategic equity investment by Aruwa Capital Fund II. This significant investment is poised to enhance Yikodeen’s factory operations, facilitate the acquisition of new machinery, boost production capacity, and strategically expand its market presence. This transaction represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's manufacturing landscape and demonstrates growing investor confidence in African industrial enterprises. We remain committed to supporting businesses like Yikodeen that are driving economic growth and employment opportunities across the African continent. The transaction was led by our Mergers, Acquisitions and Private Equity team comprising Simisola Eyisanmi, Melody Ibegbulam, Chukwuebuka Okoli-Akirika and Wuraola Oyeniyi.

Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe is pleased to have acted as legal counsel to Ojaja Pan Africa Limited in connection with the establishment of its ₦10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) Commercial Paper Issuance Programme, which has been successfully admitted on the FMDQ Exchange platform. This transaction represents a significant milestone in Ojaja Pan Africa Limited’s capital-raising strategy and underscores our continued commitment to providing market-leading legal advisory in Nigeria’s debt capital markets. Our Capital Markets team, comprising Adeniyi Duale, Simisola Eyisanmi, Viyon Ojo, and Bankole Oke, led the transaction. We are proud to have supported Ojaja Pan Africa Limited on this achievement and to play an active role in enabling access to alternative financing. Our involvement reflects Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe’s broader commitment to fostering economic growth and financial stability through innovative legal solutions.

Leading commercial law firm, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA), is set to host the 4th edition of its flagship Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Business Series on Thursday, 5th June 2025, in Lagos State, Nigeria. This year’s event, themed “Beyond the Startup Frenzy: Building the Infrastructure for a Digital Nigeria,” marks a strategic pivot in the national discourse, from early-stage enthusiasm and venture capital buzz to the foundational policies, systems and investments required to build a resilient, scalable and future-ready digital economy. Now firmly established as one of the most anticipated gatherings of stakeholders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, the TMT Business Series convenes regulators, investors, founders, creatives, legal experts, product leaders and policymakers for dialogue at the intersection of technology, regulation, investment and growth. “Technology is no longer emerging, it is embedded,” said Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Managing Partner at DOA. “This year, we’re moving the conversation beyond funding rounds and MVPs to interrogate what it truly takes to build digital infrastructure that works for everyone from broadband and cloud to regulation and commercial models.” Key Highlights of the 2025 Edition Include: Keynote Address: Delivered by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, addressing the national digital policy agenda, infrastructure expansion and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.   Fireside Chat: An in-depth, unscripted conversation with the Minister on the bold shifts needed to accelerate sustainable digital growth.   Panel 1: “Tech Profitability Playbook – Who’s Really Winning?” This session explores the business models, policy frameworks and market realities behind sustainable tech ventures. Stakeholders will examine which sectors are profitable, what monetization strategies are working and where the real economic value lies.   Panel 2: “Innovation & Regulation – Finding Common Ground” With innovation often outpacing legislation, this panel brings regulators and innovators together to reimagine what smart, enabling regulation can look like in a fast-evolving digital landscape.   Regulatory Clinic On the sidelines, attendees will have access to specialised advisory clinics on data protection, IP and compliance, hosted by experienced subject matter experts.   Pitch Competition: “The Next Big Bet – Scale. Build. Sustain.” This debut segment of the Series will spotlight early-stage, high-impact startups solving real-world challenges across AI, fintech, digital infrastructure, content and more. Finalists will pitch live to a panel of top investors and ecosystem leaders for a chance to win cash prizes, mentorship and industry exposure.   Why It Matters As Nigeria positions itself for digital leadership in Africa, this convening offers a rare forum for deep engagement across public and private sectors, helping to shape a coherent vision for the country’s digital future. The 2025 TMT Business Series is open to invitees, industry stakeholders, media and select members of the innovation ecosystem. Attendance is free but strictly by pre-registration. For more information, partnerships or press enquiries, please contact: TMT Series Planning Committee Email: [email protected] | Phone: +234 817 939 8995 To register or apply for the pitch visit events.doa-law.com

The Partners of Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (“DOA”) are pleased and most delighted to announce the admission of Ms. Simisola Eyisanmi into the Firm’s Partnership. Simisola co-leads the Capital Market and Energy Practice of the Firm. Since joining DOA, Simisola has consistently demonstrated the Firm’s core values of excellence, innovation, and client dedication. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in advising and structuring complex, high-value transactions across multiple sectors, including capital markets, energy, mergers & acquisitions, and general corporate and commercial law. Her ability to navigate sophisticated regulatory frameworks and provide strategic legal insight has been instrumental in supporting both local and multinational clients. Simisola’s leadership extends beyond DOA, as she currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Capital Market Solicitors Association, further solidifying her influence in Nigeria’s legal and financial sectors. Additionally, Simisola is recognised in the 2024 IFLR1000 rankings as a Notable Practitioner for her expertise in capital markets. This recognition highlights her contributions to the field and her commitment to delivering innovative solutions. Commenting on her admission to the Partnership, Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Managing Partner, said: 'Simisola’s admission underscores DOA’s commitment to fostering outstanding talent and ensuring the continued delivery of cutting-edge legal solutions. We are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our capabilities and enhance the level of service we provide to our clients.’ Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional legal services, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. For more information about Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe and our services, please visit www.doa-law.com. For media inquiries, please contact: Lara Kareem Email: [email protected] Phone: 07000362529