The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has granted MultiChoice Nigeria a temporary reprieve in the subscription price hike dispute, dismissing the case instituted against the media giant.
The tribunal, led by Thomas Okosu, dismissed the case following an oral application by the claimant, Festus Onifade, to withdraw his case against MultiChoice. The company’s legal representative, Moyosore Onibanjo, had requested an adjournment of the matter until the Court of Appeal decided on their applications. However, the tribunal ruled that MultiChoice had not followed the necessary legal procedures, stating, “We agree that MultiChoice has the right to appeal, but the proper procedures must be followed.”
“Whereas we agree that MultiChoice has the right to appeal on a matter before this tribunal, the proper procedures must be followed,” Okosu stated. “We have reviewed the positions of Order 6, Rule 4 of the Court of Appeal Rules and did not see or find any circumstances that prevented MultiChoice from filing a stay of proceedings and execution before this tribunal.”
The tribunal adjourned the case to November, marking a temporary reprieve for MultiChoice Nigeria. No costs were awarded in the dismissal of the case.
