Court orders FCCPC to shut down Coscharis Motors over defective Range Rover

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to take enforcement action against Coscharis Motors in a protracted dispute involving an alleged defective luxury vehicle sold to a customer, Florence Ozor.

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Emeka Nwite while determining a motion for judicial review filed by Ozor, with the FCCPC named as a respondent in the suit.

The case stems from the purchase of a 2024 Range Rover Sport valued at about N260 million, which Ozor reportedly acquired from Coscharis Motors in September 2024.

According to court filings and FCCPC documents, the vehicle began operation in November 2024 but developed recurring faults within six months, including a defective right taillight.

Ozor subsequently petitioned the FCCPC, alleging that the vehicle was supplied in breach of provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, after multiple repair attempts reportedly failed to resolve the defects.

Following the complaint, the FCCPC engaged both parties, requesting documentation from the dealer in July 2025 and later convening a mediation session in August 2025.

During the mediation, Coscharis Motors reportedly proposed three settlement options, including repair with extended warranty, replacement with cost-sharing arrangements, or a refund of the purchase price.

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However, the complainant rejected the refund option and insisted on a replacement at no additional cost.

After reviewing the case under relevant provisions of the FCCPA 2018, the Commission found that defective goods had been supplied and issued a compliance directive in September 2025.

The directive required the dealer to either provide a replacement vehicle, offer a refund under specified conditions, or supply a newer model with agreed cost adjustments, to be implemented within 14 business days.

Court records show that after the compliance window elapsed without full implementation, Coscharis Motors did not comply with the settlement terms.

The matter was subsequently brought before the court after further procedural disagreements over enforcement of the FCCPC directive.

Delivering judgment, Justice Nwite held that the FCCPC failed to enforce its own binding orders despite non-compliance by the dealership.

The court therefore granted an order of mandamus compelling the Commission to act within its statutory powers to enforce the September 2025 directive.

The judge further declared that FCCPC compliance notices remain valid until set aside by a court or formally discharged by the Commission, stressing that regulatory agencies are bound by their own decisions.

He also ordered the FCCPC to enforce compliance using its statutory powers under the FCCPA, including the authority to shut down premises or impose administrative sanctions where necessary until the dealership complies with the directive.

The ruling effectively compels the FCCPC to take stronger enforcement measures against Coscharis Motors in line with its earlier findings in the consumer dispute.