FCCPC sues MultiChoice over subscription price hike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed a suit against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Ugbe, for violating regulatory directives at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

The commission’s Director Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the company was also charged for obstructing an ongoing inquiry and engaging in conduct that was contrary to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Ihagwu said the FCCPC directed MultiChoice Nigeria on February 27 to maintain its pricing structure for DStv and GOtv pending the conclusion of an examination of its proposed price hike.

He added that the company proceeded with its price increase on March 1 in clear defiance of the commission’s directive.

Ijagwu said: “Following this disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

READ ALSO: Multichoice defies FCCPC, begins implementation of subscription increase

“The charge is on three counts of offences under the FCCPA 2018, specifically for willfully obstructing the Commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives (Section 33(4)), impeding the ongoing investigation by ignoring instructions to suspend the hike (Section 110).

“The company was also charged for attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).”

He described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny consumers the protection afforded under the law.

MultiChoice, according to him, had not only flouted regulatory processes but demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermined consumer rights and fair competition.

“In addition to these legal actions, the FCCPC is reviewing further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability,” the spokesman added.

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