The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Metro Digital Limited before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt over alleged illegal interception and rebroadcast of content belonging to Multichoice Nigeria Limited.
The arraignment took place on May 5, 2026 before Justice A.T. Mohammed at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following an amended four-count charge bordering on cybercrime.
Prosecution counsel Steve E. Odiase, told the court the matter was for arraignment, while defence counsel S.A. Somairi, SAN, raised a preliminary objection seeking to halt proceedings.
The court, however, declined the request and directed that the plea be taken. Justice Mohammed relied on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which allows a company to enter a plea through its representative.
According to the charges, the company alongside its Managing Director, Ifeanyi John Nwafor, and a staff member Ikenna Kanu, allegedly conspired between 2015 and 2019 to unlawfully intercept and rebroadcast Multichoice content without authorisation.
The charge further stated that the firm allegedly used technical devices, including decoder systems, to retransmit content over which Multichoice holds exclusive rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Metro Digital Limited, through its representative pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, and the court subsequently adjourned the matter to June 29 and 30 2026, for continuation of trial.
The anti-graft agency said investigations into the case began in 2019 after Multichoice reported alleged illegal rebroadcast of its content, which it claimed resulted in significant financial losses.
The statement was posted on the official page of the EFCC on May 5, 2026.
EFCC arraigns firm over alleged illegal rebroadcast of Multichoice content
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