Podcaster sues telcos, DStv for N50bn over alleged consumer rights violations

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is also named as a defendant. The suit, filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the companies' practices regarding the expiration of unused data bundles and subscription periods, especially when consumers cannot fully utilize services due to disruptions. The plaintiffs argue that contractual terms allowing unused data to expire are unfair and contrary to Nigerian consumer protection laws.

They are also questioning the forfeiture of data when consumers experience network disruptions and MultiChoice's subscription model where time is lost despite non-use or service issues. Amobi stated on Facebook that the case aims to address the rights of millions of Nigerian consumers who bear the consequences when services are unused, unavailable, disrupted, or expire. The plaintiffs cited incidents, including an MTN subscription where a faulty router prevented use and a 75GB data subscription allegedly exhausted rapidly amidst disruptions without a satisfactory breakdown.

They seek court orders to prevent the continuation of practices deemed unfair or unlawful, emphasizing that the action is for fairness in business and to test commercial practices against consumer protection laws.