A Lagos State High Court has ruled against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, ordering the company to pay ₦5 million in damages to a subscriber, Ben Onuora, over the wrongful disconnection of his DStv service despite valid proof of payment.
The judgment, delivered on September 30, 2025, by Justice Razak Olukolu in suit No. LD/ADR/2297/2019, held that the pay-TV provider acted unlawfully and caused the claimant and his family emotional distress, discomfort, and inconvenience through repeated service disruptions.
Onuora, who is the Obi of Okwudor in Imo State, had filed the suit in 2019 after enduring multiple service interruptions despite renewing his subscription as required. He sought ₦20 million in general damages, alleging that MultiChoice engaged in “persistent and willful interference” with his paid television service.
After years of legal proceedings, the court found that MultiChoice’s conduct violated the provisions of Nigeria’s consumer protection laws. Justice Olukolu ruled that the company breached Sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, the Abuse of Dominance Regulations 2022, and Section 13 of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law 2015, which guarantee fair treatment and service standards for consumers.
Court Orders Restoration and Compensation
Delivering judgment, Justice Olukolu directed MultiChoice to restore the claimant’s DStv service immediately and extend his subscription period to cover the duration of the wrongful disconnection.
He further ordered the company to pay ₦5 million in damages, with a 10 percent annual interest until full payment is made. The court described the company’s actions as “high-handed and inconsiderate,” noting that such conduct by a dominant service provider undermines the principles of consumer protection and fair business practice.
“The defendant failed to uphold its contractual obligations to the claimant despite clear evidence of payment,” the judge ruled. “This court cannot overlook the emotional and psychological inconvenience suffered by the claimant and his household as a result of this unlawful disconnection.”
The decision is being hailed as a landmark ruling that reinforces accountability among major service providers operating in Nigeria’s broadcast and communications sector.
FCCPC Commends the Verdict
Reacting to the ruling, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) applauded the judgment, describing it as a “major victory for Nigerian consumers.”
In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, the agency said the verdict strengthens public confidence in consumer protection mechanisms and sends a clear message to corporations that they must uphold lawful service standards.
“This ruling reinforces the legal expectation that service providers must treat subscribers with fairness, honesty, and transparency,” the statement read. “It demonstrates that Nigerian consumers are not without recourse when their rights are violated.”
Growing Legal Precedents in Consumer Protection
The FCCPC also cited a similar case in Enugu State, where the High Court ruled against Peace Mass Transit Limited for enforcing a “no refund after payment” policy.
In that case, the company was ordered to compensate a passenger, Patrick Chukwuma, with ₦500,000 after refusing to refund his ₦500 fare following a prolonged trip delay. The court held that the transport operator’s policy violated the FCCPA’s provisions on unfair contract terms, thereby setting a new standard for passenger rights in Nigeria’s transportation sector.
According to FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, both judgments highlight the strengthening of Nigeria’s consumer protection framework and the growing willingness of courts to hold powerful companies accountable.
“These rulings show that our system is evolving,” Bello said. “Between March and August 2025 alone, the FCCPC facilitated the recovery of over ₦10 billion in compensation and refunds for consumers across more than 30 sectors of the economy.”
He added that the commission continues to monitor compliance by major service providers, including those in telecommunications, transportation, and financial services.
Encouraging Citizens to Speak Up
Bello urged Nigerians to continue reporting unfair business practices through the FCCPC’s official complaint portal, email, or physical offices across the country.
“Consumer rights are fundamental rights,” he said. “Consistent court rulings like this reaffirm that violations will not go unpunished. Every citizen must feel empowered to speak up when service providers act with impunity.”
The FCCPC also revealed plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to strengthen oversight over pay-TV operators and digital service companies.
The agencies intend to push for policies that ensure subscribers receive full value for their payments and are not subjected to arbitrary service interruptions.
Broader Industry Implications
Analysts say the ruling could set a new legal benchmark for consumer redress in Nigeria’s broadcast and telecommunications industry.
MultiChoice, which operates DStv and GOtv services across Africa, has faced mounting criticism from subscribers in Nigeria over frequent service interruptions, rising subscription fees, and the absence of a pay-as-you-watch model.
Although the company has consistently argued that its pricing and operational structures align with international standards, critics believe stronger regulation is needed to protect consumers in a market where competition remains limited.
Legal experts note that this case could open the door for more class-action suits against dominant service providers who fail to deliver value commensurate with what consumers pay for.
“This is a victory not just for Mr. Onuora, but for millions of Nigerians who rely on these services daily,” said consumer rights advocate Bamidele Adebajo. “It signals that the courts are willing to defend the ordinary citizen against corporate excesses.”
Conclusion
For subscribers like Ben Onuora, the judgment is both vindication and relief after years of frustration. For MultiChoice and similar operators, it serves as a warning that noncompliance with consumer laws now carries significant financial and reputational consequences.
The ruling also underscores the growing power of consumer protection frameworks in Nigeria and the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring fairness in service delivery.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Nigerian consumers are beginning to win the fight for accountability in an era when corporate dominance often goes unchecked.
