NCC Presses Charges Against MTN Nigeria, Others for Alleged Copyright Violations

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pressed charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. and four others for alleged copyright infringement.

“The charge with number FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 has been filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.”

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, and three other defendants, Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Ltd., and Yahaya Maibe are involved in the case.

In the three-count charge, the NCC alleges that the defendants sold, offered for sale and traded between 2010 and 2017 for business purposes.”, infringed musical works of an artist, Maleke Idowu Moye without his consent and authorisation.

The Commission alleged that the defendants used musical works and sound recordings of Maleke with subsisting copyright, as Caller Ring Back Tunes, without the authorisation of the artiste.

The musical works and sound recordings of the musician allegedly infringed upon included; 911, Minimini-wanawana, Stop racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low waist and No bother.

The defendants were also alleged to have distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby, infringing on the rights of the artiste.

In the third count, the defendant were alleged to have in their possession, other than for their private or domestic use, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste..

According to the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), the alleged offenses are punishable under section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004..

The court has not yet assigned a judge nor set a date for mention.