FG vs Multichoice: Chairman, MD, and Executives to Be Arraigned October 7 Over Alleged FCCP Breach
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to arraign the Chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, alongside the Managing Director, John Ugbe, and six other top executives on October 7, 2025, over alleged violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCP) Act, 2018.
The arraignment will take place before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following a summons issued earlier this year. The case stems from what the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) described as “deliberate obstruction and non-compliance” with lawful investigative procedures.
Background of the Case
In February 2025, the FCCPC summoned the executives to appear before it for questioning regarding ongoing investigations into MultiChoice’s pricing strategies and alleged anti-competitive practices. However, the executives reportedly failed to honour the summons and refused to provide requested documents. This led to the filing of a seven-count charge against the company and its officers, accusing them of obstruction, refusal to appear, and deliberate withholding of information.
Among those listed to be arraigned are:
- Fhulufhelo Badugela – CEO, MultiChoice Africa
- Retiel Tromp – Chief Financial Officer (Africa)
- Keabetswe Modimoeng – Group Executive, Corporate Affairs
- Adebusola Bello – Director
- Fuad Ogunsanya
- Gozie Onumonu – Head of Regulatory and Government Relations
FCCPC’s Position
The FCCPC, empowered by the FCCP Act of 2018, has maintained that MultiChoice’s actions represent a blatant disregard for Nigerian law. According to the commission, businesses operating in Nigeria—regardless of origin—must adhere to local regulations, especially those aimed at protecting consumers from exploitative practices.
The charges include failure to comply with lawful summons, refusal to attend proceedings, and impeding lawful investigations—offences that could attract serious penalties if proven.
MultiChoice’s Response
MultiChoice, on its part, had earlier claimed that the summons were not properly served, a claim which led to the initial adjournment of the case. However, with the matter now firmly before the courts, all parties are expected to appear and enter their pleas on the newly scheduled date.
Public Reactions
This legal action comes amid increasing scrutiny over MultiChoice’s subscription pricing and perceived monopolistic tendencies within Nigeria’s media and satellite television market.
Public sentiment has been divided, with some applauding the FG for taking a firm stance on consumer rights, while others view it as a potentially hostile move against a major media player in the country.
What Next?
With the October 7 arraignment now confirmed, attention will turn to how MultiChoice defends itself against these charges and what precedent the case may set for corporate compliance and consumer protection in Nigeria.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the FCCPC and the judiciary as Nigerians await the outcome of what could become a landmark case in regulating multinational corporations within the country.
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