BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has kicked against allegations that it acted as a channel to siphon funds from muscians, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
To this end, MCSN argued that between 1995 and 2017, the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) was the approved Collective Management Organisation (CMO) that collected royalties from users of copyrighted works, while MCSN received no government funds.
This followed series of allegations raised by the former Chairman of COSON, Tony Okoroji on misappropriation of funds and other sundry issues.
The Chief Executive Officer of MCSN, Mayo Ayilaran said on Tuesday in Abuja, that its approval by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in March 2017 followed years of petitions, court actions, and a 2013 resolution of the House of Representatives directing the NCC to approve MCSN as a collecting society.
MCSN stated that it was established in 1984 and operated before the introduction of NCC approval requirements for CMOs, arguing that successive efforts by COSON and Okoroji delayed its approval despite court judgments and legislative interventions supporting its position.
The society noted that COSON challenged MCSN’s approval in court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1259/2017, but the case was dismissed on February 13, 2018. MCSN also cited Supreme Court judgments delivered in 2018 affirming its right to operate.
Ayilaran disclosed that the N2.5 billion received following the Court of Appeal judgment in the Multichoice case and the N1.2 billion allocated under the Levy Order Scheme were lawfully obtained and have been subject to scrutiny by relevant authorities.
He noted that the 2026 levy funds are yet to be disbursed due to stakeholder consultations and ongoing court matters.
MCSN recalled that a Federal High Court judgment delivered on March 25, 2020, held that COSON was a non-juristic entity and directed the Corporate Affairs Commission to strike the name from its register.
The society stated that Okoroji was removed as COSON chairman by the organisation’s board in December 2017 and that the NCC subsequently suspended and later terminated COSON’s licence after governance disputes within the organisation.
According to MCSN, several court actions seeking the restoration of the licence were unsuccessful.
Ayilaran contended that the latest allegations by Okoroji are part of a long-standing campaign aimed at discrediting the organisation.
He noted that in a separate defamation suit, the court awarded N25 million damages against Okoroji, urging stakeholders and public institutions to rely on documented court judgments, legislative resolutions and regulatory records in assessing the issues.
Ayilaran confirmed that it has lodged a formal petition against Okoroji alleging criminal conduct and obtaining money by false pretence, expressing confidence that the relevant authorities will determine the matter in accordance with the law.
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