News

Alleged Copyright Infringement: NCC Accuses MTN Nigeria MD Of Evading Service

Published

1 year ago

May 15, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), on Tuesday, accused Mr. Karl Toriola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; of evading service of court documents in the alleged copyright infringement suit.

The NCC’s lawyer, Gladys Ojo, made the allegation before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Ekwo had, on April 29, fixed today for Toriola and other co-defendants’ to take their plea following his failure to appear in court in the last adjourned date for their arraignment.

NAN reports that the NCC had, in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024, sued MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; Toriola; MTN Senior Executive Officer, Nkeakam Abhulimen; Fun Mobile Ltd, a telecommunications service provider; and Yahaya Maibe, its CEO as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

In the three count-count charge dated March 19 and filed March 20 by Emeka Ogbonna on NCC’s behalf, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017, “offered for sale, sold and traded for business, infringed musical works of Maleke Moye, an artiste, without his consent and authorisation

The commission alleged that the defendants used Maleke’s musical works and sound recordings with subsisting copyright, known as “caller ring back tunes” without the authorisation of the artiste.

The musical works and sound recordings of the musician allegedly infringed upon include “911, Minimini-Wana Wana, Stop Racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low Waist, and No Bother.”

The defendants were also alleged to have illegally distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby infringing on the rights of the artiste.

In the third count, the defendants were alleged of having in their possession, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste, other than for their personal or domestic use.

The copyright commission said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

NAN reports that in the last adjourned date, Toriola and Abhulimen were neither in court nor represented by any counsel.

When the case was called on Tuesday, Toriola and Abhulimen were again not in court.

Speaking, Ojo said although the matter was fixed for arraignment today, only Maibe (5th defendant) was in court.

She said all efforts made to personally serve Toriola were unsuccessful.

The lawyer said the MTN MD allegedly refused to be served.

“The last time, we told my lord that we were having issues serving the MTN CEO.

“We sent our officers to the MTN office in Lagos to serve them but we were denied access. We also sent the charge via DHL,” she said.

But Obafemi Agaba, who appeared for 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants (MTN Ltd, Toriola and Abhulimen), told the judge that the MD and Abhulimen were yet to be served with the charges in the suit.

He argued that the rules of the court is that the defendants be served personally in criminal matter, adding that the prosecution “has not applied for substituted service.”

Agaba also drew the attention of the court to his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court and the competence of the suit.

But Justice Ekwo advised the MTN lawyer to do everything to ensure that his clients are served with the processes.

The judge also told the NCC lawyer that she ought to know the necessary legal steps to take regarding service.

“Nobody can evade service except you don’t know what to do,” the judge told Ojo.

Justice Ekwo, who adjourned the matter until June 27 for arraignment, said: “However, if the court becomes aware of any application that has been filed before that date, parties will receive hearing notices before that date.”

(NAN)

News

Spokesperson Of Foreign Affairs Ministry Joins NIPR Ranks

Published

44 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), marking a notable milestone in his professional journey.

Ebienfa was among 103 individuals welcomed into the prestigious institute during a ceremony held in Uyo as part of the 2025 NIPR Week on Thursday.

The event highlighted the evolving role of public relations in governance and international affairs, emphasizing its relevance to diplomacy and national image-building.

Ebienfa, known for his effective stewardship of the Ministry’s communications portfolio, has played a visible role in articulating Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and fostering constructive engagement with both local and international audiences. His inclusion in the NIPR is seen as a fitting recognition of his contributions to public service and strategic communication.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its congratulations, describing the induction as “well-deserved” and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to professional communication practices in the discharge of its responsibilities.

News

Grassroots Engagement Key to 2027 Success – Speaker Abbas

Published

54 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to document and highlight key policy outcomes of the current administration as part of early outreach efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the APC National Summit held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, under the theme ‘Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far’, Speaker Abbas emphasised the importance of communicating governance efforts effectively to communities across the country.

Reflecting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural commitments on May 29, 2023, which included a target of six percent annual economic growth, restructuring of the foreign exchange system, employment generation, and security enhancement, Abbas noted that visible progress has been made.

According to the Speaker, “remarkable strides” have been recorded since those pledges were made. He pointed out that these goals have anchored the current administration’s policy agenda, producing significant reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economic framework and setting a course for long-term development.

He said: “Mr. President, fellow party members, as we turn our gaze toward 2027, we must acknowledge both the achievements we have made and the challenges that lie ahead. Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to intensify grassroots engagement. Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to articulate our records in clear and compelling terms. Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to take our message directly to our communities.

“An electoral victory in 2027 will not be won on paper alone. It can only be secured by the confidence we inspire among our people. We can only inspire confidence by demonstrating how our policies are improving people’s lives and how they will continue to enhance the lives of Nigerians.

“All of us MUST effectively market the successes of the Tinubu administration, specifically the recovery of fiscal health, the job creation drive, the expansion of infrastructure, and the security gains. Every APC governor, every APC Senator and Member, every Minister and Commissioner, every Special Adviser and Assistant, every Board Member, and indeed every political appointee of this government MUST also collaborate with the President to translate his initiatives into tangible benefits that resonate with citizens across every ward.”

Speaker Abbas stated that the journey has proven that decisive leadership, fiscal discipline, and cohesive action yield results. He said the 2025 budget’s dual emphasis on austerity and strategic investment, respect for the autonomy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in managing ₦22.7 trillion in inherited financing, and alignment of legislative instruments with the executive vision exemplify the party’s capacity to govern with both rigour and empathy.

“We MUST now marshal these successes into an energetic campaign for 2027, ensuring that our party’s narrative of renewal and stability becomes the clarion call at every town hall and market square,” he stressed.

Speaker Abbas pointed out that the moment demands realism and ambition in equal measure. He stated that APC faithful must neither rest on laurels nor succumb to complacency. Instead, he said it is the time to deepen outreach, sharpen messaging, and forge an unbreakable bond between the APC and the people it serves.

“By selling our record relentlessly and listening attentively, we will carry the Renewed Hope Agenda forward into the next electoral cycle. I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that come 2027, Mr. President and our Party will secure a resounding mandate that confirms our capacity to deliver on the promise of a prosperous Nigeria.

The Speaker said recently, high-profile figures have joined the APC along with numerous federal lawmakers from Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo, raising the total number of defections in the House to 25. “With reports of further crossovers from PDP and Labour Party governors on the horizon, these moves underscore the momentum of the APC and position us as the party to beat in 2027,” he added.

He further noted that the 10th National Assembly is “undoubtedly the most fortunate since the return to democracy in 1999.” This, he said, is not only because a significant number of former legislators now serve in the Executive, including the President himself, but also due to President Tinubu’s unequivocal recognition of our vital role in grassroots development.

He said President Tinubu has worked tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly’s ability to respond to the needs of our constituents is significantly strengthened by providing increased budgetary allocations for constituency projects.

“This deliberate partnership between the Presidency and Parliament has empowered Senators and Members to deliver tangible improvements in health, education, and infrastructure,” he noted.

News

Sugar Sector Eyes Reform as Industry Players Back Overhaul of Regulatory Framework8

Published

2 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Major players in Nigeria’s sugar sector have voiced support for revamping the regulatory landscape industry under the National Sugar Masterplan (NSMP), a policy designed to shift Nigeria from heavy sugar imports to domestic production and export.

At a public hearing held at the National Assembly, representatives from the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, BUA Group, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and consulting firm NINA-JOJER engaged lawmakers over proposed changes to the National Sugar Development Council Act.

The draft amendment titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act and for Related Matters” (HB.2022 and HB.2030), seeks to redefine the Council’s powers and ensure all funds it collects are remitted to the Federation Account, aligning with constitutional provisions.

The Executive Secretary NSDC, Kamar Bakrin described the sugar plan as a blueprint for long-term economic impact, citing goals such as the creation of 100,000 skilled jobs, rural development, and a projected $1 billion annual cut in foreign exchange outflows.

Bakrin raised concerns over the recent directive mandating that 50% of the sugar levy be remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), warning that such measures could undermine the sector’s transformation goals.

“To realize this vision, we require $4.5 billion in investments, which the Council is actively working to attract. Investor confidence is critical, and that confidence hinges on transparent, rule-based policies.

“The sugar levy was specifically introduced to fund the development of the sector, unlike import duties. Redirecting those funds could derail the country’s industrial ambitions,” he stated.

He added that the NSDC has established a technical committee to thoroughly review the proposed amendments and provide feedback.

Representiive of the Director General of NAFDAC, in person of Iba Edward expressed the agency’s support for the bill’s intent to enhance the Council’s regulatory capacity.

However, he cautioned that some of the proposed provisions overlap with the core regulatory functions of the Agency as outlined in Section 5 of the NAFDAC Act.

“We urge the National Assembly to clearly delineate the roles of NSDC to avoid conflict and duplication. NAFDAC remains the regulatory authority for all food imports, including sugar, to ensure consumer safety and quality standards,” he said.

Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, K.C. Egwuh, affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to its revenue collection mandate under Nigeria’s fiscal laws. He reiterated the agency’s support for efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the sugar industry.

Representing BUA Group, a former Minister Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong expressed the company’s firm commitment to the NSMP, noting BUA’s substantial investments in the sector.

Hong, however, urged policymakers to consider the economic impact of regulatory changes on both producers and consumers.

“We have developed a nearly 50,000-hectare sugar plantation, with 20,000 hectares already under cultivation, and we’re acquiring another 50,000 hectares. While we’re not where we want to be yet, we are making progress.

“Fiscal policies must be holistic and sensitive to the realities of Nigerians. As a socially responsible company, we support the backward integration policy and commend the ongoing reforms”, he asserted.

On behalf of Flour Mills Nigeria, Head of Government and Community Relations, Onome Okurah, acknowledged the challenges in the sector but stressed the company’s continued dedication.

“We operate on over 6,000 hectares and currently run sugar production for three to four months each year. We believe that with sustained collaboration, we’ll see meaningful progress in the next decade,” he said.

The consulting firm NINA-JOJER also made submissions at the hearing, raising concerns about the bill’s provisions on the utilization of the sugar levy, quota allocation, expanded regulatory roles, and enforcement mechanisms. The firm called for clarification of grey areas to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Earlier in his opening address, the Committee, Rep. Enitan Dolapo Badru, explained that the hearing was part of efforts to develop inclusive legislation that will strengthen the capacity of NSDC to drive the NSMP.

“We urge all stakeholders to contribute constructively. Our goal is to build a sustainable and competitive sugar industry that creates jobs, improves livelihoods, and contributes significantly to national development,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. John Owan Eno, emphasised sugar’s potential in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision.

The Minister noted that while the sugar industry has benefited from over $2 billion in incentives under the first and second phases of the Masterplan, its contribution to the economy remains underwhelming—estimated at just $30 billion.

“Sugar plays a critical role in rural development, job creation, and national value generation. The NSMP is a vital component of our industrialization drive. However, its success depends on the collective attitude and accountability of both public and private sector actors.

“This amendment is intended to strengthen the law, correct past lapses, and ensure we achieve real import substitution and sustainable local capacity,” he said.