By Lucy Adautin
In a bold move that appears to defy the directives of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja, Multichoice Nigeria has unilaterally raised the subscription fees for its DStv and GOtv packages.
This action comes despite the CCPT’s recent ruling on Monday, which explicitly prohibited Multi-Choice Nigeria Limited from implementing any price hikes on its subscription tariffs or the cost of its products and services, set to take effect from May 1.
Heritage Times HT gathered that the new prices have taken effect, leaving millions of subscribers with no choice but to pay the increased rates.
The development has sparked outrage among customers, who feel betrayed by Multichoice’s disregard for the legal system and its customers’ interests.
The CCPT ruling had been celebrated as a triumph for consumers, who had voiced concerns over the price hike, citing economic challenges and Multichoice’s failure to justify the increase. However, Multichoice’s disregard for the court order raises doubts about its commitment to ethical conduct and adherence to legal directives.
In response, the CCPT has approved an application for substituted service of the interim order, restraining Multi-Choice Nigeria Limited from proceeding with its plans to raise tariffs on DStv and GOtv packages, which have already commenced. The tribunal, led by Saratu Shafii, granted the motion following allegations that the pay-TV company’s officers at its Abuja office declined to accept service of the order and other court documents.
According to Festus Onifade, the applicant, who spoke to NAN on Wednesday, the CCPT bailiff reported that a senior manager at Multichoice’s Abuja office instructed them to forward the documents to their Lagos headquarters.
Consequently, the tribunal approved the order for substituted service in accordance with Section 48 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018 and Part N, Order 14 Rule 11(1) of the CCPT Rule of 2021.
