A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to pay N3 million in damages and legal costs after its DStv service cut out mid-game during a live UEFA Europa League broadcast.
Justice N.C. Ndukwe-Nwabulu delivered the ruling in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/588/2025, holding that MultiChoice breached its contract with subscriber David Ogundipe. The disruption occurred for over 10 minutes during the Manchester United vs Rangers FC match on January 23, 2025.
Ogundipe, a Manchester United supporter, told the court he purchased a DStv decoder in 2024 based on promises of “seamless live sports streaming.” He sued on February 17, 2025, through counsel O.E. Oluwadamisi of Earnest Attorneys LP, arguing the outage violated both MultiChoice’s advertising claims and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
He had sought N255.98 million in special damages, N100.5 million in general damages, N5 million in litigation costs, and 10% post-judgment interest. The court dismissed the larger claims but awarded N1.5 million as general damages for breach of contract and another N1.5 million as costs of the suit. It also granted 10% annual post-judgment interest until full payment.
The judge declared that Ogundipe was entitled to uninterrupted DStv or MyDStv App service for the Europa League fixture and that MultiChoice failed to deliver.
Calling the verdict a “landmark victory for Nigerian consumers,” Ogundipe said it proves companies must be held accountable for their advertising promises. “Service providers cannot promise seamless delivery and then fall short,” he added.
Ogundipe is known for taking on consumer rights cases involving hidden fees and data misuse.
Source: Sahara Reporters
