The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has disclosed plans to investigate MultiChoice Nigeria over DStv, GOtv, and other digital satellite cables over alleged extortion of Nigerians.
This was disclosed by NBC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Uzoamaka Ogbalu, in response to a pre-action notice filed by activist lawyer Madubuachi Idam.
NBC’s response dated 28 September 2023 and tagged: ‘Cheating, exploitation, and unfair practices demand to meter DStv, GOtv, subscription to read only during viewing within 30 days’, read, “The above subject matter refers.
“The NBC is in receipt of your complaint letter dated 20th September, 2023, in respect of the above subject matter.
“Please be informed that the complaint will be duly investigated and the outcome made known to you.”
In September, Idam issued a pre-action notice against NBC along with MultiChoice over unfair and extortive trade practices meted against Nigerian users of DStv and GOtv, and indeed every other digital satellite cable users in Nigeria.
To this end, Idam had given MultiChoice a 30-day ultimatum to regulate DStv and GOtv to read only during viewing.
However, Idam wondered what NBC intended to investigate, considering that the claims were open for all to see.
In a terse statement, Idam said: “Interestingly, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) just responded to our letter today, acknowledging the receipt of our Pre-Action Notice and stating that they are investigating our complaint.
“I do not know what part of the complaint that requires investigation, whether it is the fact that DStv and GOtv users are being charged arbitrarily that needs to be investigated or that Multi-Choice TV does not charge per viewing.
“However, whatever is their investigation. We hope that it leads to a reversal of the arbitrary charges. Else, we shall not be deterred from approaching the Court at the expiration of our Notice.”
