The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed a criminal charge against MultiChoice Nigeria and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Ugbe, before the Federal High Court in Lagos, for allegedly violating regulatory directives and obstructing an ongoing inquiry.
FCCPC had slammed MultiChoice and Ugbe with a three-count charge of willfully obstructing the commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike for its DSTV services contrary to Commission’s directives, an offence which violates Section 33(4) of its Act.
The charge against the defendants also included allegations of impeding the Commission’s ongoing investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the hike and attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection.
Both offences are said to be contrary to sections 110 and 159(2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
LEADERSHIP recalls that on February 24, MultiChoice announced a price increase for its DStv and GOtv subscription packages, set to take effect on March 1.
This announcement came nearly one year after a previous price hike had sparked a public backlash, prompting the FCCPC to intervene.
In response to the development, the FCCPC directed the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria to appear at its headquarters on February 27 for an investigative hearing regarding the planned subscription fee increase.
The agency also instructed the PayTV company to halt the subscription price hike, pending the ongoing investigation.
However, the FCCPC alleged that MultiChoice Nigeria proceeded with the price increase despite the warnings in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The Consumer Protection Agency claimed that the defendants’ actions were deliberate attempts to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protections provided under the law.
FCCPC further maintained that by disregarding its directive and implementing the price increase before the scheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice flouted regulatory procedures and exhibited a pattern of behaviour that undermined consumer rights and fair competition.
In addition to the legal actions, the FCCPC disclosed that it was reviewing further enforcement measures, including potential sanctions and penalties, to ensure compliance and accountability.
The commission reassured Nigerians that it was committed to protecting them against exploitative business practices and ensuring that dominant players in any sector adhere to fair market principles and legal requirements.
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