Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has insisted that it’s ex-parte order restraining MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd from increasing  the subscription tariffs for its cable television, DSTV, remains valid and subsists.

The restraining order in reference was issued on August 20, 2018, by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba who is sitting as a vacation Judge.

It was sequel to a motion ex-parte filed alongside an originating summon marked FHC/ABJ/CS/894/18 brought before the court by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

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The suit was consequent upon an announcement by MultiChoice Nigeria, made in July that from August 1, 2018, of a new monthly subscription rates for the DSTV Premium package from N14,700 to N15,800 (about 7.5 per cent) Compact Plus from N9,900 to N10,650; Compact bouquet from N6,300 to N6,800; Family from N3,800 to N4,000, and Access from N1,900 to N2,000.

The interim order specifically restrained Multichoice Nigeria or its agents and representatives from continuing the implementation of any increase in subscription rates or price review policy imposing increased charges and costs on the consumers pending the determination of the motion on notice.

It further restrained DSTV from further carrying on or continuing any conduct or activity which interferes with or has effect of circumventing the outcome of ongoing investigations by the CPC into the company’s compliance or non-compliance with the February 16, 2016 order pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, granted the authority for the CPC to file the suit in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 and 16 of the Consumer Protection Council Act, Cap c25, LFN 2004.

At the resumed hearing of the case, on Tuesday, ‎the court was informed by counsel to CPC, Babatunde Irukera that MultiChoice had issued a public statement to the effect that it would not obey the court order.

Irukera, who is the Director General of CPC, had complained to the court about the conduct of MultiChoice in respect of the interim restraining order made on August 20, directing the defendant to revert to status quo with respect to a material teem between MultiChoice and its subscribers.

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“My lord, the evidence is that the defendant has declined to comply with the order of court. The definition of MultiChoice is express, not circumstantial.

“In a public statement, MultiChoice characterized the court order as an affront, and repeatedly said to subscribees who tried to renew their subscriptions pursuant to the court order that it will not, and has no intention of obeying the order” Irukera stated.

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The CPC lawyer told the court that he was in possession of the affidavit  evidence.

Though, counsel to the defendant, M. J. Onibanjo SAN denied that there was such a publication, however he insisted that the plaintiff ought to have brought a formal complain.

At this juncture, the court restated that it’s order of August 20, “still subsists and in force”, adding that CPC knows what to do if an opposing party in a suit flouts a valid order of court.

Justice warned the defendant against taking any step that will over reach the court.

Earlier, Onibanjo had informed the court that he filed a motion on notice together with a notice of appeal seeking stay of proceedings and execution of the order ex-parte.

The matter has been adjourned to September 3, for hearing.