Court issues interim order preventing MultiChoice from implementing DSTV, GOTV tariff hike
A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja has issued a ruling preventing MultiChoice Nigeria Limited from increasing its tariffs and the cost of its products and services as planned for May 1.
The tribunal, headed by Saratu Shafii and consisting of three members, granted an interim order after an ex-parte motion was presented by Ejiro Awaritoma, representing Festus Onifade.
The tribunal mandated that MultiChoice halt the planned price hike set to commence on May 1 until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
Furthermore, all concerned parties have been instructed to appear before the tribunal on May 7 at 10 a.m. for the hearing and resolution of the pending motion.
This legal action was initiated by the petitioner against MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal.
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In the suit filed on April 29, Onifade, also a legal practitioner, sought two orders.
These include, “an order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the 1st defendant whether by themselves, her privies, assigns by whatsoever name called from going ahead with impending price increase schedule to take effect from 1st May 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“An order restraining the 1st defendant from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
The company had, on April 1, 2022, hiked the prices of all its packages.
