*The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to arraign the Chairman and top officials of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited October 7, 2025, in court over allegations of breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In regard to allegations of breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, the Federal Government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has secured arraignment of senior officials of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited for October 7, 2025.

The FCCPC is expected to arraign Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria, and John Ugbe, Managing Director of the leading pay-TV company for prosecution in the country.

MultiChoice is the franchise owner of DSTv and GOTv pay-TV products and services in Nigeria.

绿帽献妻 gathered Justice James Omotosho set the date after Chizenum Nsitem, counsel for the market regulatory Commission, had applied for an adjournment due to the absence of the defendants in court.

When the matter was called, none of the defendants appeared in court, citing improper service of court documents, including the hearing notice.

However, the prosecuting counsel requested an adjournment to ensure proper service, which the judge granted, adjourning the matter until October 7 this year, for the defendants to enter their pleas.

Other top officials of MultiChoice for arraignment

The charge document, which contains seven counts against the defendants, listed six other senior personnel of MultiChoice to be arraigned alongside the Chairman and Managing Director of the pay-TV company.

These include the CEO of MultiChoice Africa Holdings, Fhulufhelo Badugela; Chief Financial Officer for Africa, Retiel Tromp; and Group Executive for Corporate Affairs, Keabetswe Modimoeng.

The charge paper also listed a Director, Adebusola Bello; Fuad Ogunsanya; and Gozie Onumonu, who is the Head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations, alongside the company itself.

It is equally noted that MultiChoice Nigeria Limited is the first defendant, while Ogunsanya, Ugbe, Badugela, Tromp, Modimoeng, Bello, Fuad Ogunsanya, and Onumonu are named as the second to ninth defendants.

In the first count, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited is accused of failing, without sufficient reason, to appear before the FCCPC March 6, at No. 23, Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja, FCT, in response to lawful summons issued February 25.

The company’s failure to honour the lawful summons purportedly contravened Section 33(3) of the FCCP Act, 2018.

As Detectors in the company, Ogunsanya, Ugbe and others, are alleged to have March 6, 2025, caused MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to impede an FCCPC investigation by refusing to produce requested documents. This offence is said to contravene Section 110 of the FCCP Act, 2018.

It is recalled that MultiChoice recently increased its subscription rates, prompting an FCCPC invitation to explain the rationale behind the price hikes for its products and services.

Justice Omotosho had earlier dismissed a suit filed by MultiChoice, seeking to prevent the FCCPC from taking administrative action against the company.

In his ruling, the Judge held that the suit constituted an abuse of the court process.

The Judge further ruled it was filed after a similar suit on the issue by a lawyer, Festus Onifade, which already named MultiChoice and the FCCPC as parties.

On price adjustment, non- adhere to fair market principles

Earlier, FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to explain its price review effected March 1 this year.

The Commission had directed the company’s CEO to attend an investigative hearing February 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.

Besides, FCCPC warned that failure to justify the price adjustment or adhere to fair market principles would result in regulatory sanctions.

In response, MultiChoice filed a suit seeking an injunction to restrain the FCCPC from acting on its warnings, as stated in a letter dated March 3, 2025.

Kindly Share This Story