RismadarVoice Reporters, May 6, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Metro Digital Limited before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged unlawful interception and rebroadcast of Multichoice Nigeria Limited’s content.
The company was docked on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, before Justice A.T. Mohammed on an amended four-count charge bordering on cybercrime.
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Steve E. Odiase, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment. However, defence counsel, S.A. Somairi, SAN, raised a preliminary objection in a bid to halt the process.
The trial judge dismissed the objection and directed that the plea be taken in line with Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which allows a corporation to enter a plea through its representative.
According to the charges, Metro Digital Limited, alongside its Managing Director, Ifeanyi John Nwafor, and a staff member, Ikenna Kanu—both said to be at large—allegedly conspired between 2015 and 2019 to unlawfully intercept and rebroadcast Multichoice content.
One of the counts alleged that the defendants used technical means, including devices such as tiger boxes and dongles, to retransmit content over which Multichoice holds exclusive rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The EFCC said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The company, through its representative, pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, which was granted by the court.
Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned the matter to June 29 and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The case originated from a petition filed by Multichoice Nigeria Limited in 2019, alleging that the illegal rebroadcast of its content led to significant financial losses.
