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DSTV Faces Legal Showdown Over Unilateral Service Disconnections

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A legal battle between a Nigerian subscriber and MultiChoice Nigeria Limited (DSTV) heated up today at the FCT High Court 7 in Maitama, Abuja.

The case, Ukauzo Chukwuemeka Augustine v. MultiChoice Nigeria Limited (Case No: FCT/HC/CV/4838/24), concerns DSTV’s contentious practice of unilaterally disconnecting subscribers who use older decoders, forcing them to purchase new equipment.

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Professor Sam Erugo (SAN), representing the claimant, Mr. Ukauzo Chukwuemeka Augustine, claimed that the defendant, DSTV, has failed to respond to court processes served since November 21st, 2024.

In the case where the complainant is asking for N70 million in total damages, Prof Erugo described the Multichoice inaction as clear evidence of a lack of defence and urged the court to allow the claimant to present his case.

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Mr. M. O. Salu, who is holding Mahmud Adeshina’s (SAN) brief for the absent defendant, requested that the case be adjourned to allow for his response.

He emphasised the case’s significance, emphasising its implications for Nigerian consumer rights and the need to address what he described as pervasive injustice perpetrated by DSTV’s actions against citizens.  He referenced the government’s inability to intervene in the matter.

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Justice Hon. Justice O. A. Musa acknowledged the defendant’s late response time, noting the absence of DSTV’s legal counsel despite the ample time allowed by court rules.

However, in the interest of justice, the court granted a single adjournment, setting a definite hearing for February 26, 2025, with a stern warning to DSTV to be ready to proceed.

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The case highlights widespread complaints from Nigerian DSTV subscribers about forced upgrades.

Thousands have reportedly been disconnected and forced to purchase new decoders, even if their existing equipment works perfectly.

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DSTV has reportedly cited service quality improvements as justification, despite a lack of evidence of widespread complaints about the quality of the current service.

The central legal question is whether DSTV has the contractual right to unilaterally withdraw services after receiving payment, which the court will address at the upcoming hearing.

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Mr. Augustine, the claimant, reportedly paid for a full year’s service before his connection was severed.

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