FG Sets October 7 for Arraignment of MultiChoice Executives

The Federal Government has scheduled October 7 for the arraignment of key executives of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited on allegations of breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Tuesday after Chizenum Nsitem, counsel to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), applied for the matter to be set down in the absence of the defendants. The FCCPC alleges that the pay-TV operator and its officers violated provisions of the Act.

Alongside Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, and John Ugbe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, six other senior officers of the company will face charges. They are:

Fhulufhelo Badugela, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Africa Holdings. Retiel Tromp, Chief Financial Officer, Africa. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs. Adebusola Bello, Director. Fuad Ogunsanya, Executive. Gozie Onumonu, Head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations

The FCCPC has also named MultiChoice Nigeria Limited itself as a defendant in the suit. The charges relate to alleged anti-competitive practices and unfair treatment of consumers, though the specific breaches have not been publicly detailed.

Counsel Nsitem’s application noted that the defendants were absent from court, prompting the judge to formalize the arraignment date. October’s hearing will mark the formal commencement of trial proceedings, during which the FCCPC will present its case against the company and its executives.

MultiChoice Nigeria has not yet issued a public response to the scheduled arraignment. (NAN)