Tribunal throws out suit challenging DStv, GOtv subscription price hike

A Competition and Consumer Protection (CCP) tribunal sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the price increase by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited.

Multichoice owns satellite television services, DStv and GOtv — popular subscription-based platforms in Nigeria.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, a three-member panel of the tribunal, dismissed the suit for lacking merit.

Festus Onifade, a legal practitioner, had sued the company on behalf of himself and the coalition of Nigerian consumers.

While MultiChoice Nigeria Limited is the first defendant, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is the second respondent.

Onifade asked the tribunal to restrain the firm from hiking subscription fees for its services and other products on April 1, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated and filed on March 29.

However, the price increase has since taken effect.