The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 8 for judgment in the lawsuit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The pay-TV operator, which owns DStv and GOtv, is challenging the FCCPC’s authority to sanction it over its recent price increases for subscriptions.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing arguments from MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, and FCCPC’s counsel, Prof. J.E.O. Abugu, SAN, on Thursday.
Earlier, on March 12, the judge had issued an interim order restraining the FCCPC from taking action against MultiChoice until the main suit was determined.
The case stems from the FCCPC’s investigation into MultiChoice’s price hike on March 1.
The Commission had summoned the company’s CEO for a hearing on February 27, citing concerns over frequent tariff increases, potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the FCCPC issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or adhere to fair market principles would result in regulatory sanctions.
In response, MultiChoice, through its legal team led by Onigbanjo, filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to prevent the FCCPC and its officials from enforcing the threat outlined in a letter dated March 3.
The injunction would remain in effect until the court hears and determines the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
Additionally, MultiChoice requested an order restraining the commission and its officers from issuing further directives or taking actions that could disrupt its business operations until the motion for an interlocutory injunction is resolved.
The company specifically sought “an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or privies from sanctioning or penalizing MultiChoice (the applicant) in any manner whatsoever concerning its price increase, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.”