By Osagie Alonge
On Tuesday, September 18, 2012, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) carried out a raid at the premises of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and arrested five senior officers.
On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, the officers, Halim Mohammed, Banjo Omolara Biliqis, Yusuf Adoji, Olakayode Ajayi, and Njoku Gladys, along with the MCSN boss Mayo Ayilaran were all brought before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos for alleged illegal collection of copyright royalties and for running an un-approved collecting society.
According to a statement released by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON);
‘The three separate charges brought against MCSN by the Nigeria Copyright Commission, NCC, a parastatal of the Federal Government of Nigeria were with respect to the collection of musical copyright royalties from Southern Sun, Blow Fish and Scarlet Lodge, all hotels located in Lagos.’
The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charges were granted bail in the sum of one million naira (N1,000,000.00) with 2 sureties each; each surety being an owner of landed property in Lagos.
The trial has been set for February 19, 26 and 27, 2013.
