MultiChoice Defies Court Order, Increases DStv, GOtv Subscriptions

In defiance to a court order, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited has increased the subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv bouquets, ignoring an interim order from the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja.

On Monday, the CCPT issued a clear injunction restraining MultiChoice Nigeria from adjusting its subscription prices, which were set to rise on May 1.

However, LEADERSHIP reports that the new higher rates were already being enforced, much to the dismay of millions of subscribers.

This act of defiance has sparked significant outrage among consumers, who view it as a betrayal by MultiChoice—a company they accuse of disregarding both the legal system and customer interests.

“The CCPT’s ruling was initially seen as a victory for consumers facing economic hardships,” a consumer rights advocate commented. “However, MultiChoice’s recent actions raise serious concerns about its dedication to ethical business practices and legal compliance.”

Adding to the controversy, the Tribunal has granted an application for substituted service of the interim order, after reports surfaced that MultiChoice’s officers at its Abuja office refused to accept the court documents.

Festus Onifade, the applicant in the case, told NAN that a top manager at the Abuja office directed that any document should instead be sent to their Lagos headquarters.

“The Tribunal has responded by allowing substituted service according to 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,” said Saratu Shafii, presiding over the Tribunal. This decision underscores the Tribunal’s commitment to ensuring that MultiChoice complies with its orders.