The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja has issued an order preventing Multichoice Nigeria from implementing a proposed 25% increase in subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv services.
Presided over by Saratu Shafii, the tribunal’s ruling came on Monday following an ex-parte motion, identified as CCPT/OP/2/2024, initiated by Festus Onifade and represented by his counsel, Ejiro Awaritoma.
Onifade had filed a lawsuit against Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), alleging that the Pay-TV operator was unjustifiably raising its fees.
He requested the tribunal to issue:
“An order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the 1st defendant, whether by themselves or her privies, assigned by whatever name called, from going ahead with the impending price increase schedule to take effect on May 1, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“An order restraining the first 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.”
According to documentation from Nairametrics, the tribunal has barred MultiChoice from any actions that could adversely impact the rights of the claimant and other consumers until the motion on notice is heard and decided.
Furthermore, the tribunal has specifically restrained MultiChoice from proceeding with the price increase scheduled for May 15, 2024, pending the resolution of the Motion on Notice.
All involved parties have been summoned to appear before the tribunal on May 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to proceed with the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
