NCC Files Criminal Charges Against MTN Nigeria Over Copyright Infringement

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has initiated criminal proceedings against MTN Nigeria and four others over alleged unauthorized use of musician Maleke Idowu Moye’s works.

In a case filed with charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, defendants including Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Ltd., and Yahaya Maibe stand accused.

NCC alleges that between 2010 and 2017, the defendants engaged in the sale and distribution of Maleke’s musical works without his consent, offering them as Caller Ring Back Tunes and distributing them to subscribers without authorization.

The copyrighted works in question include tracks like “911,” “Minimini-wanawana,” and “Stop racism,” among others. These actions are said to have infringed upon Maleke’s copyright, as per the Commission’s claims.

The charges assert that the defendants violated section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, by using, selling, and distributing Maleke’s musical works without proper authorization.

As of now, the case has not been assigned to a judge, and no date has been set for mention, according to NAN reports. The legal proceedings underscore the significance of protecting artists’ intellectual property rights in Nigeria’s creative industry.

Source: (NAN).

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