The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction preventing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, from sanctioning MultiChoice Nigeria Limited over its recent price hike in DStv and GOtv subscriptions.
Justice James Omotosho granted the order on Wednesday following an ex-parte motion filed by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, representing MultiChoice.
The court’s ruling, under motion number FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, prohibits the FCCPC from taking any “administrative steps” against the pay-TV company while the case is pending.
The FCCPC had previously summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain the price adjustments made on March 1, which sparked concerns about frequent price hikes and potential anti-competitive behavior.
The commission had ordered MultiChoice’s CEO to appear for an investigative hearing on February 27 and warned that failure to justify the price increase could result in sanctions.
In response, MultiChoice filed an ex-parte motion seeking an interim injunction to stop the FCCPC from carrying out any punitive measures or further disrupting its business activities.
MultiChoice argued that Nigeria’s free-market economy allows businesses to adjust prices without government intervention, and the FCCPC does not have the legal authority to regulate prices or mandate approval for price changes.
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MultiChoice’s legal team also noted that the company had informed the FCCPC of its intention to raise prices in a letter dated February 21, but the commission’s directive to suspend the hike, issued on February 27, was ignored by the company.
Despite a pending lawsuit challenging the FCCPC’s regulatory authority, MultiChoice proceeded with the price increase, prompting a threat of prosecution from the commission.
In an affidavit, MultiChoice’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, Gozie Onumonu, emphasized that the company’s subscription rates in Nigeria are among the lowest across its markets, citing the stark difference in pricing compared to other countries like Kenya.
After hearing the motion, Justice Omotosho granted the interim injunction and scheduled an expedited hearing for March 27.
Crediblenewsng.com
