Broadcasting
COSON Kicks against N5.9bn Awarded to MCSN for Copyright Infringement
Barely a week after the Federal High Court in Lagos, awarded N5.9 billion “special damages” against Multichoice Nigeria in an eight-year-old copyright infringement legal battle between the South Africa firm and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria, MCSN, members of Copyright Society of Nigeria,
COSON, have kicked against the judgement, describing it as “bizarre and an attempt to turn the Nigeria music industry into a gold mine, from where those who have made no investments nor contributions to the industry can cart away illicit billions of Naira while the true creators and investors in the industry languish in penury.”
Judicial symbol Speaking on behalf of the members of the society at a world press conference, at COSON House in Ikeja, Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of COSON recalled that at the time the purported infringement took place, MCSN was not an approved collecting society and that there is a plethora of Court of Appeal decisions stating that without approval, MCSN cannot collect royalties in Nigeria.
“MCSN was facing seven pending criminal cases at the Federal High Court and which the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami ordered the Nigerian Copyright Commission to approve in 2017, despite the protest of the NCC,” Okoroji stated.
According to Okoroji, a number of the works said to have been infringed upon are works in the repertoire controlled by COSON for which Multichoice Nigeria has obtained a legitimate license.
Okoroji added that COSON has received reactions from some of its international affiliates wondering what the hell is going on in Nigeria as some of the works for which MCSN was said to have received the award belong to these COSON affiliates and at no time did they assign the works to MCSN.
He asked for a precedent for the kind of award against Multichoice noting that if a single Nigerian company providing employment to hundreds if not thousands of Nigerian citizens can be said to liable up to the whopping sum of 6 billion Naira for copyright infringement in the broadcast of 18 songs then it would require the entire national budget of Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt to pay for the entire Multichoice content.
“If Multichoice Nigeria, a single Nigerian company providing employment to hundreds if not thousands of our citizens can be said to liable up to the whopping sum of N6 billion for copyright infringement in the broadcast of 18 songs as reported by some newspapers since no one is yet to see a copy of the judgement, then it will require the entire national budget of Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt to pay for the entire Multichoice content,”Okoroji stated.
Asked the celebrated former president of PMAN, “For a nation that continuously says that it badly wants direct foreign investment, which rational person would want to come and invest his money in Nigeria and expose himself to this kind of frightful shake down?” Chief Tony Okoroji who is one of Africa’s most respected authorities on Intellectual Property said, “Some of us have spent practically our entire adult lives campaigning for the respect for intellectual property rights in our country. Our campaign has been for a responsible intellectual property system.
Rather than help the collective management of copyright in Nigeria, the kind of shake down of Multichoice which will ruin entire companies will turn decent people against the collective management of copyright and hurt our industry and our country.
After Mutichoice, who will be next?” Speaking further, COSON called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Mr. Abubakar Malami to order. The society also called on the National Judicial Council and the National Assembly to ensure that there is a full and transparent probe of what is happening at both the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal High Court.
Calling for the resignation of the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati, for his role in what the society described as ‘a frightening new assault on the Nigerian Judiciary, COSON Chairman also urged the Federal Executive Council to direct the immediate return of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to the supervision of the Minister charged with responsibility for culture as expressly provided in Section 51 of the Nigerian Copyright Act so that the Commission can be properly deployed to the promotion of the Nigerian creative industry instead of being a tool for the pursuit of devious schemes as it is presently being deployed.
Easter is almost here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to escape the everyday hustle and embark on a memorable adventure. Whether you’re craving some ‘chilling’ time, quality ‘family’ time, or a ‘pepper dem’ getaway, Nigeria offers endless possibilities for exploration. And the best part? Travelling locally has never been easier or more affordable.
Whether you’re a ‘newbie’ traveller or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered with essential hacks that will make your trip a breeze. Say goodbye to stress and hello to smooth sailing as you navigate your Easter getaway like a true travel expert.
Planning your trip is like packing your suitcase – essential, not optional
Just like you wouldn’t leave home without your power-bank (just in case!), don’t head off on a quick trip without a plan. A little prep can save you time, money, and stress — from booking flights and sorting transport, to packing light and right.
Nigeria has endless ways to travel. Flying with local airlines like Air Peace or Ibom Air is quick and budget-friendly, while renting a car gives you the freedom to explore scenic routes like the drive to Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls or the journey to Obudu Cattle Ranch. Not into driving? Buses like Peace Mass or God is Good are easy and affordable. And for a truly luxurious experience, you could even consider a chartered flight – if you’re balling!
Travel like a pro: The art of smart packing
Packing smartly is a crucial travel hack that can save both time and money. Amelia Campher recently shared on TikTok how she organised her hair, beauty, makeup, and personal accessories into different vanity cases and toiletry bags from Temu. Each one perfectly stores her daily essentials, keeping everything neat and accessible. She excitedly told her followers, “This is your sign to buy these bags!” Her clever packing strategy ensures that she’s ready for any trip without unnecessary clutter or stress.
Take Jasmin’s experience, for example. After getting hit with extra carry-on fees on a previous flight, she decided to be smarter about her upcoming family trip. In her search for a solution, she found the perfect backpack on Temu for just under ₦40k. Ticking all the boxes, it avoided extra carry-on fees and allowed her to efficiently pack 16 items plus a makeup bag. When they arrived at the airport, Jasmin’s family breezed through check-in with no issues, their backpacks meeting size requirements perfectly. No extra charges, no stress; just a smooth start to their unforgettable five-day family trip.
Backpacks aren’t just ideal for air travel – they’re also perfect for road trips. Whether you’re cramming your car with family and their belongings or flying high, packing smart and light is essential. A compact, well-organised backpack can make your journey easier, no matter the mode of transport.
To avoid unexpected charges when flying within Nigeria this Easter, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with airline baggage policies; while Economy Class typically permits 15kg to 20kg of checked luggage, and Premium Economy or Business Class allows up to 30kg, always verify specific weight limits with your chosen airline to prevent costly excess baggage fees, especially if you plan on packing more than the standard allowance.
No passport needed: Pack your bags for a Naija Detty Easter
Why travel halfway across the world when Nigeria has it all? This Easter, skip the long-haul and discover the treasures on your doorstep. From the buzzing streets of Lagos to the ancient city of Benin and the serene hills of Jos, unforgettable adventures are just a short trip away.
By travelling locally, you’re not only creating new memories — you’re also supporting local tourism and helping grow our economy. With so many destinations to explore, there’s something for every kind of traveller. So pack your bags, plan smartly, and make this Easter your best Naija Detty holiday yet.
The heartbeat of Lagos is about to receive a powerful new rhythm as KONFAM 89.5 FM officially launches in Lagos tomorrow, Wednesday.
Kayode Adegbite, founder, KONFAM FM,
KONFAM FM, Kayode Adegbite, brainchild of seasoned entrepreneur and media innovator, is a cutting-edge radio station poised to redefine the broadcasting landscape in Nigeria.
It promises to bring a fresh, tech-driven, and culturally rich approach to radio transmission.
Described as a fusion of technology, creativity, and community, KONFAM FM aims to captivate Lagosians with content that speaks directly to their experiences.
Whether it’s music, news, entertainment, lifestyle, or talk shows, the station is built to reflect the soul of the city and the pulse of its people.
Adegbite is no stranger to transformation.
As CEO of MediaCrush Nigeria Ltd, a leading Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising company, he has spent the past decade revolutionizing how brands engage with audiences across Nigeria.
With over 20 years of experience spanning finance, marketing, and media, he is now channeling his vision into broadcasting.
“KONFAM is not just another radio station,” Kayode said in a pre-launch interview.
“It is a movement, a platform for authentic voices, compelling stories, and meaningful conversations that empower and entertain.”
From its sleek state-of-the-art studio in the heart of Lagos to its impressive lineup of on-air personalities and programs, KONFAM FM is designed to be interactive, engaging, and youth-focused.
Festus Sanmi Onifade, subscriber and legal practitioner, has withdrawn his lawsuit challenging alleged unfair price hikes by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Also listed as a defendant in the suit is the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a notice of discontinuance, dated April 1, 2025, the claimant formally informed the court of his decision to wholly withdraw the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025.
However, the notice, signed by Onifade, did not advance reasons for the withdrawal.
Onifade had earlier approached the court to challenge what he described as an unfair and unjust price increase announced by MultiChoice Nigeria, slated to take effect from March 15, 2025.
In the originating summons, he asked the court to determine, among other things, whether, given Section 128 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and other relevant laws, the notice of the impending price increase issued by the first defendant was not unfair, unjust, grossly inadequate and a breach of his consumer rights; whether, considering the subsisting appeal in MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd & Ors v. Festus Onifade & Ors, the defendant was not stopped from further increasing the price of its services.
The suit centred on legal tussle between Onifade and MultiChoice over price hikes, which the claimant insisted were being implemented in defiance of regulatory standards and without adequate consumer engagement.
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