Broadcasting
TSTV Seeks Court Protection to Prevent Irreparable Business Losses in Nigeria
The legal team of Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant its “restraining” requests to prevent the business from suffering irreparable losses in Nigeria, according to Nairametrics.
![TSTV Seeks Court Protection to Prevent Irreparable Business Losses in Nigeria](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bright-Echefu-300x133.jpg)
Bright Echefu,
This is detailed in its motion on notice marked FHC/CS/ABJ/665/2022.
The motion seeks protection from alleged further harassment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what it claims to be an investment issue with Mr. Kabiru Tanimu, former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
Applicant’s Motion
In the motion, the EFCC, Turaki, Tudu Ventures, and the Attorney General of the Federation are listed as defendants.
According to the applicant’s lawyer, Asiwaju Awomolo (SAN), his client was introduced to the ex-minister for the purpose of investing in and financing the purchase of equipment for its operations.
He submitted that, as part of the investment agreement, the ex-minister was allotted 50% of TSTV shares in his personal capacity.
He stated that Turaki was also appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees, while his children were made directors of TSTV.
He argued that based on the share transaction, it was agreed that the ex-minister should finance a portion of TSTV’s business operations.
The lawyer stated:
“By the agreement of the parties, the 3rd defendant (Turaki) paid for transmission and broadcasting equipment directly to the foreign suppliers.
“The 3rd defendant thereafter facilitated another investment to boost the operations of TSTV (the applicant) through Tudu Ventures.”
The applicant then claimed that, surprisingly, on March 4, 2021, Tudu Ventures sued TSTV at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for the recovery of Turaki’s investment.
The lawyer submitted that following the EFCC’s intervention in 2022, its officials have since been harassing, intimidating, and bullying TSTV’s officers, requesting them to produce the investment of the ex-minister and Tudu Ventures.
“If this application is not granted, TSTV and its officials will suffer irreparable loss, and their business may be jeopardized, as the individuals summoned are key officials who run the main activities at TSTV’s headquarters in Abuja and indeed in all its branches across the Federation,” the lawyer stated, asking the court to restrain the EFCC from harassing its business.
According to TSTV, it has commercial and contractual obligations to millions of viewers worldwide on a 24-hour basis, and the EFCC’s actions could cause a permanent interruption of the applicant’s transmission activities.
Reports said that the pending case would continue when the court returned from its vacation.
More insights
While TSTV’s motion is pending, the EFCC also has a fraud-related case against it and its Managing Director, Bright Echefu, among others, before another court presided by Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Count six of the charges alleges that Echefu defrauded Mr. Tanimu, MD of Kalsiyam Global and also former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, of N380 million.
Other allegations state that the defendants allegedly contravened money laundering laws, including tax evasion, unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax, and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deducted from the salaries of 165 staff members.
Echefu, the MD of Briechberg Investment Ltd, was accused of obtaining N150 million from Mr. Turaki Kabiru Tanimu, SAN, MD of Kalsiyam Farm, with the alleged intent to defraud.
In the matter before Justice Ekwo, TSTV and its MD claim the EFCC is trying to criminalize a civil transaction it had with the ex-minister.
What you should know
TSTV, a satellite TV company launched by Echefu, was expected to challenge the monopolistic tendencies of MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv in Nigeria.
Touted as the first and only fully indigenous Pay-TV operator in the country, TSTV entered the industry on October 1, 2017, with appealing offerings that raised the hopes of many Nigerians. Indeed, its decision to launch on the country’s Independence Day was seen as symbolic of a declaration of ‘freedom’ in the Pay-TV industry. However, the company disappeared after the launch.
It made a comeback on October 1, 2020, promising to offer Nigerians the best Pay-TV experience. However, its service remained intermittent, leaving subscribers who had invested in the company’s decoders with constant complaints.
TSTV completely went off the radar again in March last year and has remained so to date without any explanation to the subscribers, aside from intermittent apologies for ‘technical glitches’ during its active days.
The cases before both courts are now within their purview to determine one way or another.
Credit: Nairametrics
Broadcasting
NIPR Appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa As Chairman of FinanceHub Committee
Nigerian Institute of Public Relation’s (NIPR) governing council has announced the appointment of Rasheed Bolarinwa as the Chairman of its newly established FinanceHub Committee.
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Rasheed Bolarinwa
Bolarinwa, who serves as the President of the Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), will lead the committee aimed at enhancing sustainable Public Relations practices within the banking, insurance, and pensions sectors.
Bolarinwa, currently the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank, brings extensive experience from journalism, public relations, and the financial sector.
Read Also: NIPR Lagos Chapter Announces Date for 11th conference, sets to discuss climate change, environment
His leadership is expected to drive significant improvements in PR practices across these financial sectors.
The FinanceHub Committee, which includes experts from banking, insurance, and pensions, is part of NIPR’s broader initiative to strengthen public relations across various sectors.
The committee’s formation aligns with NIPR’s strategy to foster sustainable and impactful PR practices in these critical areas of the economy.
In addition to Bolarinwa, NIPR has appointed other chairpersons for newly created sectoral hubs.
Mrs. Thelma Okoh will lead the Maritime Hub, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha will head the Energy Hub, and Mr. Basil Agboarumi will oversee the Aviation Hub. Dr. Ahmad Sajoh has been appointed to lead the Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub, while Miss Chimdi Neliaku will head the Young Practitioners Hub.
The appointment letters, signed by Uzoma Onyegbadue, Registrar/Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council, reflect NIPR’s commitment to enhancing public relations practices across these sectors.
NIPR Appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa as Chairman of FinanceHub Committee
At the inauguration of the new chairpersons and committee members, NIPR National President Dr. Ike Neliaku praised the appointees, highlighting their expertise and dedication.
“Your appointments are well-considered and reflect the confidence the NIPR council has in your abilities to advance the objectives of the Hub,” Neliaku stated.
He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the new appointees and emphasized the council’s support in driving positive change in public relations practices within their respective sectors.
Broadcasting
Nigeria Police Arrest Operator of Pirate Domain Streaming MultiChoice Content
The operator behind www.score808.com.ng, a website notorious for streaming MultiChoice content illegally, has been arrested by the the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigerian Police.
The Police said that the arrest is a significant victory against internet piracy.
This domain was allegedly infamous for illegally streaming MultiChoice (SuperSport) content, drawing millions of visits from across Africa and beyond.
According to a statement, the arrest, which took place recently, in Osogbo, Osun State, marked a major milestone in the ongoing battle against intellectual property theft and online streaming piracy.
The capture followed an extensive investigation that spanned several months.
Despite efforts to evade detection by frequently changing locations, the IRT’s relentless pursuit ensured the eventual arrest.
The suspect remains in Police custody, with substantial evidence pointing to involvement in large-scale illegal streaming activities.
If convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to five years, the statement added.
“he scale of the illegal operation is evident from the website’s traffic statistics. The domain www.score808.com.ng garnered 3.1 million visits globally, with over 1.2 million visits originating from Africa alone,” it added.
Frikkie Jonker, director of Broadcasting and Cyber Piracy at Irdeto, expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Police’s dedication and support in this operation.
He commented, “All forms of piracy continue to pose a significant threat to the creative industry. At Irdeto, we are fully committed to addressing every facet of piracy, whether it occurs online or through other means. The arrest of this notorious pirate is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies and private sectors work hand in hand. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Police’s unwavering support, which has led to this positive outcome.
“Online streaming piracy is not only a criminal offense but also poses significant risks to customers. Users who access pirated content are often exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats that can compromise their personal information. Additionally, by engaging with illegal streams, customers inadvertently contribute to the erosion of the creative industry, undermining the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in content production and distribution.
Broadcasting
Imoke, Buratai, Maida, others to headline GOCOP 2024 conference in Kogi
Senator Liyel Imoke, former Minister for Power and Steel, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at the annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) scheduled for October 3, 2024 in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
This is just as attendance and participation by other highly fecund speakers and panelists have been confirmed.
They comprise, among others, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Retd); the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; a Professor of Political Science at the Federal University Lokoja, Rotimi Ajayi, and an edutainment communicator and veteran broadcaster, Ms Debrah M. Ogazuma.
Read Also: GOCOP Takes 8th Annual Conference to Lokoja
Chairman, 2024 Conference Planning Committee, Danlami Nmodu, mni, disclosed these in a press statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of GOCOP, Sir Remmy Nweke.
According to the statement, Nmodu said that Imoke would lead discussion on the theme: “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy” at the Reverton Hotel, GRA Lokoja, Kogi State on Thursday, October 3, 2024 by 10am.
Senator Imoke was at a time Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Utilities and Chairman, Presidential Committee on OMPADEC and NEPA Technical Boards.
In 2007, Senator Imoke was elected Governor of Cross River State and served his people in that capacity from 29 May 2007 to 29 May 2015.
Imoke studied Law at the University of Buckingham, England for his LLB degree in 1985, and then studied at the American University in Washington, D.C., where he gained a master’s degree in Law. He completed his legal education at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1988.
He was earlier elected a Senator in 1992 and was in the National Assembly until the military incursion, following the annulment of the presidential election of June 12,1993.
He then went into private enterprise in 1993 as a Managing Consultant.
Retired Lt-General Buratai would be joined by Dr. Aminu Maida as Guest Speakers.
The statement stated that Professor Ajayi would join other panellists, including a former Commissioner in Kwara state and National Coordinator of West African Media Network (WAMNET), Ms Ogazuma.
The 2024 GOCOP conference is the 8th in the series and would be chaired by former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Yusuf Mamman.
The 2023 edition was chaired by the JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, while the first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke was the keynote speaker.
Previous speakers at the annual conference consisted of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.”
In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, keynoted the conference and spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, delivered the keynote at the 2022 edition themed “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”
GOCOP was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism.
Membership of the Guild is a constellation of editors and senior journalists who, having distinguished themselves in their various positions in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally.
The Guild has over 104 corporate publishers as members.
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