From News Editor
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has fined Multichoice Nigeria N150 million for challenging the court’s jurisdiction and ordered the company to provide Nigerians with a one-month free subscription on DStv and GOtv.
The tribunal had previously restrained Multichoice from increasing subscription fees without adequate notice, following a suit by Barrister Festus Onifade who argued that the 8-day notice given by Multichoice for a price hike was insufficient.
Multichoice’s lawyer argued that price regulation disputes had been settled before and should not be re-litigated, while Onifade emphasized the lack of proper notice rather than the price hike itself, leading the tribunal to assert its jurisdiction and rule against Multichoice.
The verdict delivered by three of the panel led by Thomas Okosu on Friday also ordered Multichoice to give Nigerians a one-month free subscription on DSTV and GOTV.
Nairametrics previously reported that the tribunal had restrained MultiChoice from increasing its subscription rates pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice filed by Barrister Festus Onifade. {Nairametrics}
