FCCPC to arraign MultiChoice Nigeria CEO, executives for obstructing investigation

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FCCPC to arraign MultiChoice Nigeria CEO, executives for obstructing investigation

Story by Zara Ahmed

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is set to arraign the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, John Ugbe, along with other top executives, over allegations of obstructing a government investigation and failing to honour lawful summons.

According to a charge sheet filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CR/197/2025), the charges stem from MultiChoice’s refusal to comply with an FCCPC summons dated February 25, 2025. The company and its executives allegedly failed to appear before the commission on March 6, 2025, as required.

The legal action follows a May 8, 2025 ruling by the same court that dismissed MultiChoice’s suit seeking to uphold recent subscription price hikes on its DStv and GOtv platforms, a move that drew widespread consumer backlash.

READ ALSO: DStv, GOtv Price Hike: FCCPC lacks authority to fix, suspend prices – Court

The FCCPC’s legal team, led by Barrister Nsitem Chizenum, named several high-ranking officials in the charge sheet including Gozie Onumonu, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and five others alongside CEO John Ugbe.

The Commission alleges that the accused parties deliberately hindered its investigation by refusing to produce documents requested during the inquiry into potential violations of Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws.

“The failure of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its directors to comply with a lawful summons and submit required documents constitutes an offence under Section 3 of the FCCPC Act, 2018,” the charge sheet reads.

READ ALSO: FCCPC sues MultiChoice for increasing DSTV, GOtv subscription prices

During Tuesday’s court session, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, FCCPC counsel informed the court that the defendants had not yet been personally served with the charges. Consequently, the judge adjourned the matter to October 7, 2025, for arraignment.

Background: MultiChoice vs FCCPC
The legal friction between the FCCPC and MultiChoice Nigeria intensified earlier this year following the company’s announcement of increased subscription rates across its DStv and GOtv platforms. The price hike drew public outcry and prompted regulatory scrutiny, leading to the FCCPC’s probe into MultiChoice’s pricing practices and compliance with consumer protection guidelines.

Justice Omotosho had previously dismissed a lawsuit filed by MultiChoice challenging the commission’s authority in the matter, further clearing the way for the ongoing prosecution.

READ ALSO: FCCPC to prosecute business owners increasing prices of items

As the case develops, it could set a precedent in Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, particularly in consumer protection enforcement and corporate compliance.

Industry watchers are closely monitoring the proceedings, as the outcome may impact regulatory expectations for other companies operating in Nigeria’s broadcast and telecommunications sectors.

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