Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to shut down Coscharis Motors for failing to comply with regulatory directives over a defective Range Rover Sport sold to a customer.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the directive on Wednesday while delivering judgment on a motion for judicial review filed by the complainant, Florence Ozor, in a case that has spotlighted consumer protection enforcement in Nigeria.
The dispute dates back to September 2024 when Ozor purchased a brand-new 2024 Range Rover Sport from Coscharis Motors. She began using the vehicle in November 2024, but within six months, the car reportedly developed recurring faults, including a defective right taillight.
Despite multiple repair attempts, the issues persisted, prompting Ozor to file a complaint with the FCCPC, alleging the supply of defective goods in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
Following an investigation, the FCCPC convened a mediation meeting on August 15, 2025, where Coscharis Motors proposed three settlement options: returning the repaired vehicle with an extended warranty, replacing the vehicle with shared cost implications, or offering a refund. However, the complainant rejected the refund and insisted on a replacement at no additional cost.
After reviewing the case, the FCCPC ruled that Coscharis Motors had supplied defective goods and directed the company to provide a new 2024 Range Rover Sport at no extra cost, with a two-month trial period. The commission further stated that if defects persisted, the dealer must refund the full current value or offer a 2025 model with an agreed price difference.
The directive, signed on September 18, 2025, required compliance within 14 business days.
However, court documents revealed that Coscharis Motors failed to comply within the stipulated timeframe. Instead, the company reportedly re-engaged the FCCPC without the knowledge of the complainant, leading to further meetings that proposed previously rejected options.
Frustrated by the delay, Ozor approached the court seeking an order to compel the FCCPC to enforce its own ruling.
During proceedings, counsel to the FCCPC argued that the suit was premature and constituted an abuse of court process. Justice Nwite, however, dismissed the argument, holding that the commission failed in its duty to enforce its binding orders.
“A declaration is hereby made that the respondent, as a government agency, is bound by its orders as much as the parties involved are bound by same,” the judge ruled.
The court subsequently issued an order of mandamus directing the FCCPC to enforce its September 2025 compliance notice using its statutory powers under the FCCPA 2018.
Justice Nwite further ordered that enforcement measures may include shutting down Coscharis Motors’ premises or imposing administrative sanctions until full compliance is achieved.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on regulatory accountability and reinforces the obligation of consumer protection agencies to uphold their mandates.
