FCCPC dropped criminal charges against. Multiple choice

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday withdrew criminal charges filed against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its top officials after the parties resolved their differences.

FCCPC lawyer Daniel Amadi told the Federal High Court shortly after the matter was referred for arraignment against the defendants.

He said the commission submitted a withdrawal notice on August 16.

Amadi said: “The parties have settled and we have agreed to withdraw this lawsuit,” he told the court.”

Defense lawyer, Rolake Akingbola, did not oppose the application and Judge James Omotosho later dismissed the charges.

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The judge on June 24, fixed Tuesday for the arraignment of the company and its senior officials for alleged violation of the FCCPC Act, 2018.

Listed as defendants in the case are the Chairman of MultiChoice of Nigeria Limited, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, John Ugbe.

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

The rest are director, Adebusola Bello; Fuad Ogunsanya; Gozie Onumonu, who is Head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations, and the company itself.

MultiChoice, the DStv and Gotv operator, had several months ago increased subscription rates on its packages despite an invitation from the FCCPC to explain the price increase.