Broadcasting
NCC Arraigns MCSN, 7 others for Performing Society Duties
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has arraigned the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and seven of its officials at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, for performing the functions of a collecting society without the approval of the Commission as required by law.
The officials of MCSN arraigned by the NCC before Honourable Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa on December 4, 2012 were Mayowa Ayilaran, Louis Udoh, Halim Mohammed, Banjo Omolara Biliqis, Yusuf Adogi Benson, Olakayode Ajayi and Njoku Gladys.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to one-count each of three charges preferred against them and the MCSN in charges Nos. FHC/L/351C/2012, FHC/L/352C/2012 and FHC/L/353C/2012, all dated October 10, 2012 and signed by a Copyright Inspector and Prosecutor of the NCC, Obi Ezeilo, Esq
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The first charge, FHC/L/351C/2012, states: “That you (1) Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (2) Mayowa Ayilaran (M) (3) Louis Udoh (M) (4) Halim Mohammed (M) (5) Banjo Omolara Biliqis (F) (6) Yusuf Adogi (M) (7) Olakayode Ajayi (M) and (8) Njoku Gladys (F) all of No. 6 Olaribido Street, Ikeja, Lagos State on or between 2010 and 2012 within the Lagos Judicial Division of the Honourable Court, did perform duties of a Collecting Society by demanding royalties from Southern Sun 47 Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi Lagos and carrying on the business of soliciting and granting licences on behalf of copyright owners without the approval of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 39 (4), (5) and (6) of the Nigerian Copyright Act Cap C28 LFN 2004.”
The second charge, FHC/L/352C/2012, stated that the eight accused persons performed the duties of a Collecting Society on or about April 2010 within the Lagos Judicial Division of Federal High Court by “demanding royalties from Scarlet Lodge 79 Younis Bashorun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and carrying on the business of soliciting and granting licences on behalf of copyright owners without the approval of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 39 (4), (5) and (6) of the Nigerian Copyright Act Cap C28 LFN 2004.”
The third charge, FHC/L/353C/2012, stated that the accused persons performed the duties of a Collecting Society on or about May 2012 within the Lagos Judicial Division of Federal High Court by “demanding royalties from Blow Fish of 17 Ojun Olobun Street, off Bishp Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and carrying on the business of soliciting and granting licences on behalf of copyright owners without the approval of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 39 (4), (5) and (6) of the Nigerian Copyright Act Cap C28 LFN 2004.”
Counsel to the accused, Mr Adewale Adesokan Esq. applied to the court for bail of the accused persons.
The prosecution counsel, Mr. Obi Ezeilo, opposed the bail application on the ground that the accused persons were likely to jump bail in view of the fact that they had failed on several occasions to honour the Commission’s invitations during investigations while the accused persons were also facing trial in another court for a similar offence.
Justice Yunusa, in his ruling, granted the accused persons bail in each of the charges in the sum of one million Naira (N1, 000,000.00) and two sureties in like sum with proof of landed property in Lagos.
The cases were adjourned as follows꞉ Charge No. FHC/L/315C/2012 to February 19, 2013; Charge No. FHC/L/352C/2012 to February 26, 2013 and Charge No. FHC/L/353C/2012 to February 27, 2013.
It will be recalled that the Commission had received several petitions against the unlawful operations of MCSN from industry stakeholders.
Investigation confirmed that MCSN has been operating as a collecting society without the mandatory approval of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, by illegally granting licenses for usage of musical works as well as collecting royalties from unsuspecting organisations.
The Commission’s operatives had carried out an antipiracy operation, on October 19, 2012, on the premises of MCSN at 6, Olaribiro, Street, Off Allen Avenue Ikeja, Lagos during which five senior officials of MCSN were arrested, namely; Halim Mohammed, Banjo Omolara Biliqis, Yusuf Adogi Benson, Olakayode Ajayi and Njoku Gladys.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to protecting creativity and ensuring that the rights of copyright owners are protected. The Commission further enjoins members of the public to desist from transacting business with the MCSN as any further dealings with the illegal collecting society will amount to aiding and abetting illegality.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
Broadcasting
Davido, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Karl Toriola, Others To Be Honoured At The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards In Lagos
Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is excited to announce the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and connection, culminating in the End of the Year Awards & Celebration on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards
This historic occasion marks the first time the world-famous Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony—traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria.
The week will feature events such as Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons, all culminating in the awards celebration.
The evening will honor the Best & Brightest of the Year, recognizing exceptional individuals and institutions whose work has advanced Global African Achievement and Black Excellence across business, government, media, culture, and technology.
Key Recognitions for 2025
– Governor of the Year & City of the Year: His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, honored alongside Lagos as City of the Year for its global leadership in culture, innovation, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
– Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, will be honoured as Minister of the Year for her contribution to the creative economy’s role in nation branding and cultural diplomacy.
– Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom
– Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, OANDO
– CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; who will deliver a keynote address, recognized for his transformative leadership and impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy.
Others include; Karl Toriola of MTN as CEO of the year, Uche Pedro of Bella Naija as Lifestyle Personality Of The Year, Ojy Okpe of Artise News as Most Influential News Anchor Of The Year, Stephanie Busari as Media Executive of the Year, Kayode Okikiolu as Pressman of the year, Davido as Artist of the year and several others.
In celebrating this year’s honorees, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, owners of Martell Cognac, who emerged as Brand Of The Year expressed deep appreciation for the brand’s continued global recognition, saying: “It’s a great reward for the team who’s delivered Martell excellently in Nigeria over the years.
“We say thank you to the teams, we say thank you to our consumers and we say thank you to MIPAD.
“Martell has a lot of promising experiences in the years to come in Nigeria and with this we invite you over to Nigeria to experience Detty December”.
The ceremony will also celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 Honorees, alongside past Nigerian honorees who were unable to attend their year of recognition in New York.
“For the first time, we’re bringing our world-famous recognition platform home to celebrate excellence within the Global Africa Family — right here in Lagos,” said Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman of MIPAD. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement uniting the best of us — connecting, collaborating, and working together to change the world.”
Event Details
📍 Lagos, Nigeria
– Friday, Dec 19 – #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition FREE
– Sunday, Dec 21 – End of Year Recognition & Award Ceremony STRICTLY BY INVITATION
🎟️ RSVP: https://rsvp.oakenevents.com/mipad
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