News

Breaking: NCC Sues MTN For Copyright Infringement Against Maleke

The Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. and four others over alleged copyright infringement.

The charge with Number FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Division was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.

Advertisement

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

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

The case is yet to be assigned to any judge and no date has been fixed for mention.

Advertisement

NAN.

Advertisement
citynews

Recent Posts

Breaking: FIRS Announces Fresh Recruitment, See Eligibility Criteria, Application Deadline

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has begun its recruitment exercise for experienced professionals to…

14 hours ago

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies For 2025

Primate Elijah Ayodele Unveils 94-Page Prophecy for 2025, Makes Striking Predictions About Nigeria’s Political and…

17 hours ago

Tinubu’s Aide Condemns Plan To Reinstall ‘Jesus Is Not God’ Banner In Lekki Mosque

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet,…

19 hours ago

President Tinubu’s reforms not responsible for food stampedes – FG

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned politicians against linking stampedes…

19 hours ago

I will be more influential in Nigeria than UK – Tobi Adegboyega

Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), has stated that he…

19 hours ago

Petrol To Sell ₦‎935/Litre From Today – IPMAN

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that petrol is going to sell…

20 hours ago