The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and four others over alleged copyright infringement.
The suit with No FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 was filed against the mobile network operator at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division on Monday.
Other joined as defendants in the suit are the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, Fun Mobile Ltd official, Nkeakam Abhulimen; and Yahaya Maibe.
In the three-count charge, the commission 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.
The Commission further alleged that the defendants used musical works and sound recordings of the artist with subsisting copyright, as Caller Ring Back Tunes, without his authorization.
The charge listed the musical works and sound recordings of the Maleke allegedly infringed upon as includeding 911, Minimini-wanawana, Stop racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low waist, and No bother.
In addition, the commission alleged that the defendants distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby, infringing on the rights of the artiste.
In the third count, the defendants were alleged to have in their possession, other than for their private or domestic use, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste.
The commission maintained in the suit filed before the High Court that 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.
As at the time of this report, the case is yet to be assigned to any judge for handling and no date has been fixed for mention.
