Multichoice Nigeria Disregards Court Order, Implements Hike In DStv, GOtv Subscription Prices
Comment
Irrespective of the fact that a court order was issued by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja, Multichoice has deemed it fit to ignore and proceeded with Hiking the subscription ratesfor the DSTV and GOTV subscription packages, which in return resulted to an outburst from millions of subscribers.
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On Monday, the CCPT issued a ruling which restrained Multichoice Nigeria Limited from increasing its subscription tariffs and the cost of products and services, which was announced by Multichoice on 24th April, scheduled to take effect on May 1.
The three-member tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, gave the interim order on Monday following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for Festus Onifade, the applicant.
Meanwhile, the company (Multichoice) ignored the court order and proceeded to implement the new rates, which is also displayed on their website.
The Subscribers has earlier protested against the price hike and the CCPT court order was a relief to the consumers who complained about the lack of sympathy from the company as regards to the economy situation.
The disregard of the Multichoice against the court order has left the public wondering if the corporation has commitment to ethical business practices and adherence to the law.
Responding to Multichoice’s actions, the CCPT has granted an application for substituted service of the interim order, restraining the company from increasing tariffs on DSTV and GOTV packages.
All parties in the suit were directed to appear before the tribunal on May 7 at 10 a.m. for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The petitioner had dragged Multichoice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal.
In the suit filed on April 29, Onifade, also a legal practitioner, sought two orders.
The two orders include, “an order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the 1st defendant whether by themselves, her privies, assigns by whatsoever name called from going ahead with impending price increase schedule to take effect from 1st May 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“An order restraining the 1st defendant 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.”
Festus Onifade, the applicant, disclosed on Wednesday that the CCPT bailiff reported that a top manager at the Multichoice Abuja office instructed that the documents be directed to their Lagos headquarters.
Consequently, the tribunal granted the order of substituted service in accordance with Section 48 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and Part N, Order 14 Rule 11(1) of the CCPT Rule 2021.
