By Stellamaries Amuwa
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted Dr. Anuoluwapo Funmilayo Adepoju and MedContour Services Limited on the five counts of obstructing investigations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The case arose from the FCCPC’s investigation into alleged consumer rights violations at the medical services center.
Dr. Adepoju and the center had challenged FCCPC’s authority to investigate them, arguing that only the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Nigeria (MDCN) had jurisdiction to do so.
The Court however disagreed, upholding the FCCPC’s investigative powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
The Court ruled that the FCCPA applies to “all undertakings and all commercial activities” within Nigeria, including health services on issues related to consumer protection.
The Court found that the FCCPC had properly served Dr. Adepoju and MedContour Services with investigative notices and summons.
The Court also found that the defendants’ claim of being unable to comply due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions was unsubstantiated.
The Court convicted Dr. Adepoju and MedContour Services on all five counts, including failing to comply with investigative summons, withholding documents, and obstructing the investigation.
The Court sentenced each defendant to one year imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently.
The Court also suspended the prison sentences on the option of the defendants paying fines of N100,000 on each of the count.
According to FCCPC, the judgment will strengthen the FCCPC’s authority to investigate consumer rights violations across all sectors, including healthcare. It also serves as a warning to businesses that impede or obstruct regulatory investigations.
The case came up for Judgment before Hon. Justice A.M Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. Abimbola Ojenike, Esq appeared with Jesulayomi Oyelami (Miss) and Oluwadamilola Omotosho (Miss) for the Prosecution while Mariam Jones and Ameda Alhassan appeared for the 1st and 2nd Defendants.
Court convicts Dr. Adepoju, MedContour Services for obstructing FCCPC investigation
By Stellamaries Amuwa
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted Dr. Anuoluwapo Funmilayo Adepoju and MedContour Services Limited on the five counts of obstructing investigations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The case arose from the FCCPC’s investigation into alleged consumer rights violations at the medical services center.
Dr. Adepoju and the center had challenged FCCPC’s authority to investigate them, arguing that only the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Nigeria (MDCN) had jurisdiction to do so.
The Court however disagreed, upholding the FCCPC’s investigative powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
The Court ruled that the FCCPA applies to “all undertakings and all commercial activities” within Nigeria, including health services on issues related to consumer protection.
The Court found that the FCCPC had properly served Dr. Adepoju and MedContour Services with investigative notices and summons.
The Court also found that the defendants’ claim of being unable to comply due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions was unsubstantiated.
The Court convicted Dr. Adepoju and MedContour Services on all five counts, including failing to comply with investigative summons, withholding documents, and obstructing the investigation.
The Court sentenced each defendant to one year imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently.
The Court also suspended the prison sentences on the option of the defendants paying fines of N100,000 on each of the count.
According to FCCPC, the judgment will strengthen the FCCPC’s authority to investigate consumer rights violations across all sectors, including healthcare. It also serves as a warning to businesses that impede or obstruct regulatory investigations.
The case came up for Judgment before Hon. Justice A.M Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. Abimbola Ojenike, Esq appeared with Jesulayomi Oyelami (Miss) and Oluwadamilola Omotosho (Miss) for the Prosecution while Mariam Jones and Ameda Alhassan appeared for the 1st and 2nd Defendants.
The case was initiated in July 2020 under the leadership of Babatunde Irukera, who then led the prosecution.
The case was initiated in July 2020 under the leadership of Babatunde Irukera, who then led the prosecution.
