KaaTruths Podcast Ltd and its founder have dragged MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Airtel Networks and MultiChoice Nigeria before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unfair consumer practices, demanding N50 billion in general and special damages.
The suit also names the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as a defendant.
The plaintiffs are challenging the expiration of unused data bundles and subscription services, particularly where consumers are unable to fully use services they have already paid for.
They argued that it is unfair for telecommunications companies to allow unused data to expire simply because a stipulated validity period has elapsed, especially where network disruptions or other service-related issues prevented customers from using the service.
According to the plaintiffs, one of the incidents involved an MTN data subscription worth N30,000, which was billed to last for 30 days. They alleged that the router supplied for the service developed a fault and that their request for cancellation, refund or rollover of the unused subscription was rejected before the subscription eventually expired.
They also cited another case involving 75GB of data, which they said was exhausted in less than seven days despite intermittent network disruptions. The plaintiffs argued that no satisfactory breakdown was provided to explain how the data was consumed.
The suit also challenges aspects of MultiChoice’s subscription model, including situations where customers allegedly lose subscription time during periods when they are unable to use or access the service.
Among other reliefs, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether terms allowing unused data or subscription benefits to expire are unfair, unreasonable and contrary to Nigerian consumer-protection laws.
They are also seeking orders preventing the companies from continuing any practices that the court finds unlawful or unfair.
Explaining the motivation behind the lawsuit, KaaTruths said the case was not intended to prevent companies from making profits but to ensure that businesses operate fairly and consumers’ rights are protected.
The plaintiffs said they were taking the matter to court after years of consumers complaining about such practices without seeing meaningful changes.
The case will now put the validity of data-expiry and subscription terms, as well as the obligations of service providers to consumers, before the Federal High Court for determination.
