MultiChoice increases DStv, GOtv subscriptions despite court order

MultiChoice Nigeria Limited has defied an order not to implement an increase in the subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv bouquets.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja, had ordered the company not to increase the prices as it earlier announced.

But MultiChoice enforced the new subscription fees on Wednesday, May 1, much to the dismay of millions of subscribers who waited for the company to halt the new rates.

Recall that on Monday, the tribunal issued a clear injunction restraining MultiChoice Nigeria from increasing its subscription prices, which were set to take effect from May.

The tribunal also granted an application for substituted service of the interim order, after reports surfaced that MultiChoice’s officers at its Abuja office refused to accept the court documents.

In a ruling, the presiding officer, Saratu Shafii, said the decision underscores the tribunal’s commitment to ensuring that MultiChoice complies with its orders.

The applicant in the case, Festus Onifade, told reporters that a top manager at the Abuja office directed that any document should instead be sent to their Lagos headquarters.

Consumers who tried to renew their subscription packages on 1st of May discovered that the price change has been effected on the company’s website.