*The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission discloses the Search Warrant and Order recently obtained in a Federal High Court is to secure vital information and evidence from ‘key targets and large industry players whose businesses and practices have been implicated in the intelligence so far procured’ in accordance with FCCPA 2018

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), sequel to credible intelligence and preliminary inquiry, has disclosed the Commission commenced a broad investigation into certain segments of the importation, manufacture, assembly and or distribution of generators.

ConsumerConnect reports the FCCPC, pursuant to 17(e),(g), (l); 18(d), (h); 27,28,29,30,59,70,72, 107, 108 (and others) of the FCCPA 2018, and in furtherance of the investigation, said  Commission November 16, 2022, obtained a Search Warrant and Order of the Federal High Court in Case No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2075/2022, after sufficiently convincing the court that there is probable cause and prima facie evidence of infringements of the FCCPA in the Nigerian economy.

Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), in a statement issued Wednesday, December 14, 2022, said that the purpose of the Search Warrant and Order was to secure vital information and evidence from key targets and large industry players whose businesses and practices have been implicated in the intelligence so far procured, and surveillance work already done.

The Commission noted that it, simultaneously, executed the Search Warrants on the identified targets has secured certain information from targets of the investigation.

Irukera also stated: “The investigation is progressing with forensic analysis, hearings, questioning, and other evidence gathering tools.

“The Commission is keenly interested in receiving feedback or experiences with respect to dealings; or any relevant knowledge of the business or practices of generator sellers or distributors.”

The EVC/CEO further said that the Commission is interested in any knowledge with respect to “pricings, multiple, or duplicitous equipment models, import and or customs clearing practices; and any mutual communication or coordination between companies.”

According to FCCPC, information with respect to Jubaili Brothers, Mikano International Limited and JMG are very material in this regard.

Irukera as well stated that the market regulator welcomes information, including ‘anonymously’, and would protect the identities of contributors who so request.

“Where a contributor desires direct engagement, the Commission will provide the same, under secure circumstances, or otherwise at the direction of the contributor,” said he.  Information can be sent to a secure dedicated e-mail address created by the Commission at:  openpower@fccpc.gov.ng.