The competition and consumer protection tribunal has dismissed the case against MultiChoice Nigeria over its DStv and GOtv price hike. Claimant Festus Onifade withdrew his case, leading to an adjournment of the proceedings. MultiChoice plans to appeal, but the tribunal emphasized adherence to proper legal procedures.
A competition and consumer protection tribunal (CCPT) has dismissed the case challenging MultiChoice Nigeria's proposed price increase for its DStv and GOtv services. The tribunal's decision, led by Thomas Okosu, came after Festus Onifade, the claimant, requested to withdraw his case. This move follows an earlier order on April 29, which temporarily halted the price hike scheduled to take effect on May 1.
Following the tribunal’s decision, MultiChoice indicated plans to appeal the ruling after facing a N150 million fine for disputing the tribunal's authority. On July 29, MultiChoice's lawyer, Moyosore Onibanjo, requested the tribunal to adjourn proceedings until the Court of Appeal addressed his client’s applications. Onifan's request was based on procedural grounds, arguing that the tribunal should defer to the appellate court's decisions.
Onifade countered, asserting that indefinite adjournment was not feasible and that the matter should be addressed in the original tribunal. The FCCPC’s lawyer supported Onifade’s position, urging the tribunal to allow the withdrawal of the case. After considering the arguments, Okosu concluded that MultiChoice must follow proper procedures for appeals and that there were no grounds to delay the tribunal's proceedings further.
Ultimately, Onifade decided to withdraw the case, expressing frustration over the procedural delays and the possibility of MultiChoice exploiting the vacation period to extend the case. The tribunal granted the withdrawal request without awarding costs and adjourned the case to November for any further proceedings, if necessary.
