The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Metro Digital Limited before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on May 5, 2026, charging the company with illegal interception and rebroadcast of Multichoice Nigeria Limited’s content. The arraignment was conducted before Justice A.T. Mohammed at the Federal High Court, Rivers State, on an amended four‑count charge that falls within the scope of cybercrime.
Prosecution counsel Steve E. Odiase informed the court that the matter was ready for arraignment. Defence counsel S.A. Somairi, SAN, raised a preliminary objection seeking to halt the proceedings, but the court rejected the request and ordered the plea to be taken. Relying on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Justice Mohammed affirmed that a company may plead through its authorised representative.
The charges allege that Metro Digital Limited, together with its managing director Ifeanyi John Nwafor and employee Ikenna Kanu, conspired between 2015 and 2019 to unlawfully intercept and rebroadcast Multichoice’s programming without authorisation. The indictment further states that the firm employed technical devices, including decoder systems, to retransmit content over which Multichoice holds exclusive rights throughout Sub‑Saharan Africa. Through its representative, Metro Digital pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution sought a trial date. The court adjourned the case to June 29‑30, 2026, for the continuation of trial proceedings.
The EFCC indicated that investigations began in 2019 after Multichoice reported the unauthorised rebroadcast of its content, claiming substantial financial losses. The agency posted a statement on its official Facebook page on May 5, 2026, confirming the arraignment and outlining the charges.
The case underscores the growing scrutiny of digital piracy and cyber‑related offenses in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector. The upcoming trial will determine whether Metro Digital Limited is liable for the alleged infringement and the extent of any penalties imposed.
