Multichoice hike: Tribunal slams N25m fine against company for contempt

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja has imposed the sum of N25 million as a fine against Multichoice Nigeria Ltd over non-compliance with the order staying increase in tariffs in Nigeria.

A three-member panel presided by Mr Thomas Okosun, after it found the company of violating its order of March 30 following an ex parte application by a consumer, Barrister Festus Onifade and the Coalition of Nigerian Consumers.

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Multichoice hike: Tribunal slams N25m fine against company for contempt

“The tribunal has made a decision which is guided by the Act. The defendant is found in contempt of the court according to Section 51(2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. Therefore, Multichoice Nigeria is to pay a sum of N25 million for violating the order of the tribunal,” he said.

The Tribunal had on Tuesday summoned the management of the South African company, which operates GoTV, DSTV, Showmax and digital terrestrial services, to present its 2021 audited financial report to determine the appropriate fine for contempt over the disobedience.

But at the resumed hearing, counsel to the company, Jamiu Agoro informed the tribunal of two applications for stay of execution and notice of appeal challenging the outcome of the earlier verdict.

The panel, however, overruled him and restrained the company from filing an appeal until the fine was paid.