A court has fined Multichoice Nigeria N150m, and ordered it to give DSTV and GoTV users a month free subscription.
In April 2024, the CCPT sitting in Abuja, following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, who served as the counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade, had ordered Multichoice Nigeria to refrain from increasing its tariffs and costs of services that the company was set to begin on May 1 2024.
Read This: Court Stops MultiChoice From Increasing DStv, Gotv Subscription Rates…
The order, given by a three-member panel headed by Saratu Shafii, said, “The 1st defendant is hereby restrained from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
However, Multichoice increased its service charge despite the court order, arguing that Onifade lacks the jurisdiction to regulate the prices of goods and services as he is not the President of Nigeria.
The tribunal’s verdict, delivered by a three-member panel led by Thomas Okosu, stated that Multichoice’s action was “condemnable and must not be condoned.” Okosu said, “The jurisdiction of this tribunal extends to all business activities within Nigeria… I have come to the conclusion that this tribunal has the jurisdiction to preside over consumer rights as in the instant case.”
Read Also: Multichoice Announces Fresh Increase In Prices Of DSTV, GOtv Packages…
Barrister Festus Onifade, who sued Multichoice, argued that the company did not provide adequate notice for the price increase, stating, “It is our submission that the 8-day notice issued by Multichoice Nigeria is insufficient in law. A monthly subscriber should be given at least a month.
