The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated legal proceedings against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, over alleged violations of regulatory directives and obstruction of an ongoing inquiry.

The commission has accused the defendants of engaging in conduct that breaches provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

On 27 February 2025, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice to maintain its existing pricing structure for DStv and GOtv until an examination of its proposed price hike was concluded.

However, in a statement issued yesterday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that MultiChoice proceeded with the price increase on 1 March 2025, in direct defiance of the commission’s directive.

Ijagwu said: “Following this blatant disregard for regulatory oversight, the FCCPC has filed charges against MultiChoice Nigeria and John Ugbe at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, on three counts of offences under the FCCPA 2018.

“These include wilfully obstructing the commission’s inquiry by implementing a price hike contrary to directives (Section 33(4)), impeding an ongoing investigation by refusing to suspend the hike (Section 110), and attempting to mislead the commission by proceeding with the increase without objection (Section 159(2)), punishable under Section 159(4)(a) and (b).”

The commission described MultiChoice’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine regulatory authority, disrupt market fairness, and deny Nigerian consumers the protection guaranteed under the law.

It further stressed that by disregarding the directive and implementing the price hike before its scheduled investigative hearing on 6 March 2025, MultiChoice had demonstrated a pattern of conduct that undermines consumer rights and fair competition.

In addition to the legal proceedings, the FCCPC stated that it was considering further enforcement measures, including sanctions, penalties, and regulatory interventions, to ensure compliance and accountability.

“The FCCPC remains committed to protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitative business practices and ensuring that dominant players in any sector adhere to fair market principles and legal compliance,” the statement added.