The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja has directed that an interim order restraining MultiChoice Nigeria Limited from increasing DSTV tariffs be displayed prominently at the company's headquarters and other branches across Nigeria. The order, issued by tribunal chairman Saratu Shafii, also mandates the document to be sent to MultiChoice's known email address, social media handles, and any other publicly known communication channels.
The interim order was granted in favor of Abuja-based lawyer Festus Onifade, who challenged MultiChoice's plan to increase tariffs on its DStv and Gotv packages starting from May 1. Onifade sought an injunction to prevent MultiChoice from implementing the price hike until the tribunal makes a final determination on the matter.
The tribunal's three-member panel, presided over by Shafii, issued the order following an ex parte motion by Onifade's counsel, Ejiro Awaritoma. Despite attempts to serve MultiChoice at its Abuja office, the bailiff reported that the company's staff refused to receive the documents, directing them to the Lagos headquarters instead.
In response, the tribunal issued an order of substituted service on MultiChoice, directing the posting of the interim order at the company's corporate headquarters and branch offices nationwide, as well as on its communication outlets. MultiChoice had announced the tariff increase citing the cost of business operations in Nigeria as the reason for the adjustment.
