EFCC Arraigns Metro Digital Over Alleged Illegal Rebroadcast of Multichoice Content

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a communications firm, Metro Digital Limited, over allegations of unlawfully intercepting and rebroadcasting content принад to Multichoice Nigeria Limited.

The arraignment took place before Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following amended charges filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

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According to details presented in court, the case centres on allegations that the company and two of its officials engaged in the illegal interception and redistribution of protected broadcast content within the jurisdiction of the court.

At the resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel, Steve E. Odiase, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment on the amended charges. Defence counsel, S.A. Somairi, SAN, however, notified the court of a preliminary objection challenging the charges.

Justice Mohammed declined the defence’s attempt to delay the arraignment process and directed that the plea be taken in line with statutory provisions.

Citing Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the judge stated that “where a corporation is called upon to plead to any charge or information framed under the provisions of this Act, or any charge or information added to or altered under the provisions of this Act, it may enter, in writing, by its representative, a plea of guilty or not guilty.”

Following the ruling, the court registrar read out the charges against the defendants.

In count one, the prosecution alleged that Metro Digital Limited, alongside its Managing Director, Ifeanyi John Nwafor, and a staff member, Ikenna Kanu—both said to be at large—conspired to commit a felony involving unlawful interception of digital content.

The charge stated: “That you, Metro Digital Limited (RC No. 501134); Ifeanyi John Nwafor, being the Managing Director of Metro Digital Limited (RC No. 501134) (at large); and Ikenna Kanu, being a member of staff of Metro Digital Limited (RC No. 501134) (at large), between 2015 and 2019, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony, to wit: unlawful interception, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”

Another count alleged that the defendants, on or about August 16, 2019, intentionally intercepted and rebroadcast digital signals without authorisation.

The charge read: “That you, Metro Digital Limited (RC No. 501134); Ifeanyi John Nwafor, being the Managing Director of Metro Digital Limited (RC No. 501134) (at large); and Ikenna Kanu, being a member of staff of Metro Digital Limited (RC No. 501134) (at large), on or about the 16th day of August, 2019, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did intentionally and without authorisation intercept, by technical means, and rebroadcast decoders, dongles, etc., over which Multichoice Nigeria Limited has exclusive rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”

The prosecution maintained that the alleged actions infringed on the exclusive broadcasting rights held by Multichoice Nigeria Limited across the region.

Upon the reading of the four-count charge, the company, represented in court, entered a plea of “not guilty” to all allegations.

Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the court fix a date for trial to commence.

Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned the matter to June 29 and June 30, 2026, for the continuation of trial proceedings.

The case is expected to address issues relating to digital content protection, intellectual property enforcement, and the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws to corporate entities operating within the communications sector.