The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja has fined MultiChoice Nigeria Limited N150 million for contempt of its jurisdiction by disobeying its order.
The tribunal, led by Saratu Shafii, also mandated MultiChoice to provide Nigerians with a one-month free subscription to its DSTV and GOTV services.
The ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Festus Onifade on behalf of MultiChoice subscribers. The tribunal has scheduled July 3 to hear the substantive case against the company.
Previously, on April 29, the tribunal had issued an order restraining MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs from May 1. Onifade argued that the eight-day notice given by MultiChoice was inadequate, emphasizing that a minimum one-month notice should be provided to subscribers before any price hike.
Despite the interim order, MultiChoice proceeded with the tariff increase and challenged the tribunal’s jurisdiction. The tribunal’s decision to fine MultiChoice and order the free subscription was supported by panel members Thomas Okosun and Dr. Umar Duhu.