The Federal Government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has scheduled October 7, 2025, for the arraignment of the Chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and the company’s Managing Director, John Ugbe.
The charges stem from alleged breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after FCCPC’s counsel, Chizenum Nsitem, requested an adjournment due to the absence of the defendants in court. The defendants reportedly did not appear because they had not been properly served court documents, including the hearing notice.
The judge granted the prosecution’s application for adjournment to allow for proper service, rescheduling the arraignment for October 7, when the defendants are expected to enter their pleas.
Also listed for arraignment are six senior officials of MultiChoice’s operations across Africa: CEO of MultiChoice Africa Holdings, Fhulufhelo Badugela; Africa CFO, Retiel Tromp; Group Executive for Corporate Affairs, Keabetswe Modimoeng; Director, Adebusola Bello; Fuad Ogunsanya; and Gozie Onumonu, who serves as Head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations. MultiChoice Nigeria Limited is listed as the first defendant, with the individuals named as second to ninth defendants.
The seven-count charge accuses the defendants of various infractions. In the first count, MultiChoice Nigeria allegedly failed to appear before the FCCPC on March 6, despite a lawful summons issued on February 25. This, the commission argues, violates Section 33(3) of the FCCP Act.
In another count, the company’s directors—including Ogunsanya and Ugbe—are accused of obstructing an FCCPC investigation by withholding requested documents, which violates Section 110 of the FCCP Act.
This legal development follows recent public outrage over MultiChoice’s March 1 subscription rate hike. The FCCPC summoned the company to justify the increase and address potential anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s pay-TV market. Despite this, MultiChoice filed a suit to prevent the FCCPC from proceeding with any enforcement action.
Justice Omotosho previously dismissed the suit filed by the company, calling it an abuse of court process. He noted it was instituted after a similar legal action by lawyer Festus Onifade, which already involved both the FCCPC and MultiChoice as parties.
The commission has consistently raised concerns about MultiChoice’s pricing practices, market dominance, and compliance with fair competition standards. It warned that failure to provide satisfactory justification could attract regulatory penalties.
What you should know
MultiChoice Nigeria and its top executives are set to appear in court on October 7, 2025, following allegations of obstructing investigations and ignoring regulatory summonses. The case follows backlash over subscription price increases and intensifies scrutiny over the company’s market behavior and transparency.
