The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Metro Digital Limited on a four-count amended charge bordering on cybercrime and the alleged unlawful interception and rebroadcast of content belonging to Multichoice Nigeria Limited.
The anti-graft agency disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the company was brought before Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday.
During proceedings, prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase, informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment. However, defence counsel, S.A. Somairi (SAN), raised a preliminary objection in an attempt to halt the process.
The court declined the objection and ordered that the plea be taken in accordance with Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which permits corporations to enter pleas through authorised representatives.
According to the charges, Metro Digital Limited, alongside its Managing Director, Ifeanyi John Nwafor, and a staff member, Ikenna Kanu—both currently at large—allegedly conspired between 2015 and 2019 to unlawfully intercept and rebroadcast proprietary broadcast signals.
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The prosecution further alleged that the company, on or about August 16, 2019, intentionally intercepted and retransmitted signals through devices such as tiger boxes and dongles without authorisation, infringing on Multichoice’s exclusive broadcast rights across sub-Saharan Africa.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Metro Digital Limited, through its representative, pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, which the court granted. Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned the matter to June 29 and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The case stems from a petition filed by Multichoice in 2019, in which the company alleged that the illegal rebroadcast of its content resulted in significant financial losses.
Multichoice operates major platforms and channels including DStv, Africa Magic, and the popular reality television show Big Brother Naija.
The trial is expected to further test Nigeria’s legal framework on digital content protection and cybercrime enforcement.