Tribunal Dismisses Case Against DStv, GOtv Price Hike

A competition and consumer protection tribunal (CCPT) has dismissed a case against MultiChoice Nigeria concerning a subscription price hike. The three-member tribunal, led by Thomas Okosu, granted the dismissal following an oral application by Festus Onifade, the claimant, to withdraw the case.

Previously, on April 29, the tribunal had issued an order preventing MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs and costs for products and services, which was set to take effect on May 1. Following this, MultiChoice Nigeria announced its intention to appeal the CCPT's ruling and was fined N150 million for challenging the court’s jurisdiction. During Monday's proceedings, MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore Onibanjo, requested the tribunal to adjourn the matter until the court of appeal could decide on their applications. Onifade argued that the issue of indefinite adjournment had already been settled and could not be reopened by MultiChoice. He emphasized that proper legal procedures must be followed, including filing a stay of proceedings in the court where the initial decision was granted.

The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) counsel, I.O. Alaba, asked the tribunal to make a decision based on the arguments presented by both parties. In his ruling, Okosu stated that while MultiChoice has the right to appeal, the company must follow proper procedures. He noted that MultiChoice's legal team had not demonstrated special circumstances that would justify bypassing the tribunal's rules. The tribunal ultimately agreed to the claimant's oral application to withdraw the suit and adjourned the case to November, without awarding any costs.