The tale of intrigue playing out between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications firm, MTN Nigeria took a dramatic turn on Friday as the regulatory agency filed criminal charges against the firm for infringing on the copyright of an Abuja-based musician.
MTN logo
The NCC on Friday filed the criminal charge with number ABJ/CR/379/2015 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, against both MTN Nigeria Communication and its Nigeria Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ferdi Moolman.
In the two-count-charge signed by NCC Prosecutor and Copyright Inspector, Marypauline Olere-Luma, MTN and Moolman are accused of infringing on copies of the musical work of Abuja based musician, Dovie Omenuwoma-Eniwo (aka Baba 2010).
The defendants were alleged to have used their operations to “distribute, sell or let for hire, or for the purposes of trade or business, expose or offer for sale 3009 infringing copies of the musical work’’ of Baba 2010.
The musical works allegedly infringed upon by the defendants included; “Omotena, Gentleman, Christian and unity song’’ by the musician.
The offences, according to the charge, are contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (2)(a) and 20 (2)(b) of the Copyright Act, Cap C28 Laws of the Federation 2004.
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