Multichoice Nigeria’s legal team, led by Moyosore Onibanjo (SAN), has expressed dissatisfaction with the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal’s recent verdict. The tribunal fined Multichoice N150 million and ordered a one-month free subscription on DSTV and GOTV for Nigerians.
Onibanjo claims the tribunal “breached their right to a fair hearing” by imposing the fine and subscription order. He intends to appeal the verdict immediately.
The tribunal’s verdict came after Multichoice challenged its jurisdiction and filed a preliminary objection. The objection was dismissed, and the tribunal ruled in favor of the claimant, Festus Onifade.
Onifade had accused Multichoice of unjustly increasing subscription fees without adequate notice to customers. The tribunal agreed, stating that the 8-day notice issued by Multichoice was insufficient.
The tribunal’s chairman, Thomas Okosu, stated that the tribunal has jurisdiction over all commercial activities in Nigeria, including consumer rights. He dismissed Multichoice’s claim that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction.
The tribunal also found Multichoice in contempt for disobeying its interim orders and hiking prices despite the restraining order. As a result, the tribunal imposed the N150 million fine and ordered the free subscription.
Multichoice’s legal team argues that the tribunal’s decision was unfair and that they will appeal the verdict. The company claims that the tribunal’s orders are a breach of their rights.
The case highlights the ongoing dispute between Multichoice and consumers in Nigeria, with the company facing accusations of unfair price increases and disregard for consumer rights.
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