The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a communication company, Metro Digital Limited, on four amended charges bordering on cybercrime and alleged unlawful interception and rebroadcast of Multichoice Nigeria Limited content.
The agency, in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, said the firm was arraigned on Tuesday before Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Prosecution counsel Steve Odiase informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment. Defence counsel S.A. Somairi sought to halt the arraignment by informing the court of a preliminary objection. However, the judge refused and ordered that the plea be taken in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
Count one of the charges alleges that Metro Digital Limited and its Managing Director and a staff member, who are currently at large, conspired between 2015 and 2019 in Port Harcourt to commit felony to wit: unlawful interceptions.
Another count alleges that they intentionally and without authorisation intercepted and rebroadcast tiger boxes, dongles, and other equipment over which Multichoice Nigeria Limited has exclusive rights in sub-Saharan Africa.
Metro Digital Limited, through its representative, pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution prayed the court for a trial date. Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter to June 29 and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Investigations into the case began after Multichoice reported the matter to the EFCC in 2019, alleging that the illegal broadcast of its content caused it significant financial losses. Multichoice operates franchises including DStv, Africa Magic, and reality show “Big Brother Naija.”
