MultiChoice: We’ll appeal tribunal’s N150m fine, free subscription

MultiChoice Nigeria Limited says it will appeal Friday’s ruling of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja, which awarded a N150 million fine against the company for challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The tribunal slammed N150 million fine on MultiChoice for disobeying its order.

The tribunal also ordered the company to give a one-month free subscription to all Nigerian subscribers on the DStv and Gotv platforms for flouting its order.

The order had restrained the company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade.

Onifade approached the tribunal contending that the eight-day notice given by MultiChoice for a price hike was insufficient.

Tariff hike: Tribunal fines MultiChoice N150m, orders free subscription

Reacting to the court’s ruling via a statement on Friday, June 7, 2024, MultiChoice said it disagreed with the ruling and would file an appeal against it.

The statement read in part: “MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter.

“We disagree with the ruling, and will therefore file an appeal against the said ruling.

“As the matter is currently sub-judice, we are restrained from making further comments.”

The Star