MultiChoice ordered to sub-license channels to rival company

MultiChoice, Nigeria’s leading pay-TV provider, has been ordered to sub-license some of its channels to Metro Digital Cable television.

The Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt delivered the ruling on Wednesday. The court overruled a lower court which initially ruled against Metro Digital’s request.

According to the little-known Metro Digital, the request being made upon MultiChoice is in line with Nigerian Broadcasting Commission’s code.

Trial judge, Mr. Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe ruled that the lower court erred when it dismissed the suit of the appellant (Metro-digital), despite it proving to be in dispute with MultiChoice.

Justice Adegbehingbe also urged the second respondent (NBC) to compel Multichoice to comply with the court order within 21 days.