Nigerian Govt files charges against MultiChoice Nigeria over price hike
Nigerian Govt files charges against MultiChoice Nigeria over price hike
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, accusing them of defying a regulatory order to suspend a proposed price increase.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, confirmed the charges.
The Commission had previously ordered MultiChoice to halt the planned price hike for DStv and GOtv services on February 27, pending an investigation into the increase. Despite this directive, MultiChoice proceeded with the price changes on March 1.
The charges, filed in the Federal High Court in Lagos, include three key allegations: obstructing the Commission’s investigation, failing to comply with regulatory instructions, and attempting to mislead the FCCPC.
Part of the statement reads, “Following the blatant disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, 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), and attempting to mislead the Commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b)).”
The Commission described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection guaranteed under the law.
“By disregarding the FCCPC’s directive and implementing the price hike before appearing before the Commission’s investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, MultiChoice has not only flouted regulatory processes but also demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition,” the statement added.
In addition to the legal action, the FCCPC said it is considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.
MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to rising costs of delivering premium content.
According to the notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company said, “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”
While the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets will remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively, the DStv Compact package is among the subscriptions expected to be affected by the price increase.
Following the submission, Senate President Akpabio raised concerns about any legal obstacles to accepting the petition. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan assured him that there were no such impediments.
At precisely 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally present the petition before the Senate.
The petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after conducting a thorough legislative review.
This new petition follows a similar one submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the day before, which had ignited controversy.
During the previous session, Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order under Senate Standing Order 40, arguing that the petition could not be entertained due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Akpabio.
Monguno also contended that the petition was invalid because Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
This latest development adds to the growing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
Last Thursday, a heated confrontation took place in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned by Akpabio.
She immediately demanded an explanation for what she saw as an unjustified action, further intensifying the ongoing dispute.
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Senator begs Coleagues seeks three-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator begs Coleagues seeks three-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has appealed for a reduction in the proposed suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from six months to three months.
Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Moro acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Senate rules but urged his colleagues to temper justice with mercy.
Earlier, Senator Imasuen had described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as frivolous and dismissed her claims that Akpabio had been silencing her voice in the chamber.
Key Recommendations from the Senate Committee:
A six-month suspension from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025.
Immediate surrender of all Senate properties in her possession.
A directive barring her from the legislative chamber throughout the suspension period. And others.
This development follows a heated confrontation in the Senate last Thursday when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she viewed as an unjustified move.
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You can’t defeat President Tinubu in 2027 election – Bode George tells Peter Obi gives reason
You can’t defeat President Tinubu in 2027 election – Bode George tells Peter Obi gives reason
Peter Obi, the former Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has no chance of defeating Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections without the PDP’s backing, according to former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George.
George maintained that the Labour Party does not have the national infrastructure required to successfully oppose the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that, as long as the party leadership adheres to the values of justice, equity, and fairness, only the PDP has the power, base support, and reach necessary to defeat the APC and win in 2027.
“I have nothing personal against Obi. He is from the South, but the fact remains that the Labour Party does not have the national structure to match Tinubu and the APC in 2027,” George stated. “The only party with the depth, support base, and capacity to defeat the APC is the PDP. And while some may think Tinubu’s re-election will be smooth sailing, I believe he can be defeated in 2027, but this can only happen if the PDP leadership ensures fairness, justice, and equity within the party.”
George also made an impassioned plea to Nyesom Wike, urging the Rivers State Governor to reconsider his opposition to the PDP and work together to help rebuild the nation.
Furthermore, he took aim at the Federal Government’s increasing interference in state politics, warning that such actions could exacerbate national insecurity if left unchecked.