MultiChoice: Tribunal Intervenes, Stops DStv, Gotv Subscription Increament

As Nigerians yelled over MultiChoice unfriendly tarrif, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has intervened in the increment of DStv and Gotv subscription rates. 

News Rider reports that the tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday, restrained MultiChoice Nigeria Limited from increasing its tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1.

The three-member tribunal presided over by Saratu Shafii, issued the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma and Counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade.

Other members of the tribunal include Thomas Okosun and Dr. Umar Duhu.

In its ruling, the tribunal issued the restraining order  pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it.

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."

She directed all parties in the suit to appear before the tribunal on May 7 at 10am for hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Recall that Onifade in the suit marked: CCPT/OP/2/2024, had dragged MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal.

In the suit filed on April 29, 2024, Onifade sought two orders.

They are: "An order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the 1st defendant whether by themselves, her privies, assigned 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.”