The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a telecommunications firm, Metro Digital Limited, before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged cybercrime offences linked to the unlawful rebroadcast of content belonging to MultiChoice Nigeria.
The company was brought before Justice A.T. Mohammed on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, on an amended four-count charge bordering on cybercrime, including illegal interception and redistribution of proprietary broadcast materials.
During 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 an attempt to halt the process. The court dismissed the objection and directed that the plea be taken in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
According to the EFCC, the charges allege that Metro Digital Limited, alongside its Managing Director, Ifeanyi John Nwafor, and a staff member, Ikenna Kanu—both currently at large—conspired between 2015 and 2019 to unlawfully intercept and rebroadcast MultiChoice content without authorization.
One of the counts further states that the defendants allegedly used technical devices, including decoders and related equipment, to retransmit subscription-based content exclusively licensed to MultiChoice across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company, represented in court, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, which the court granted. Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned the case to June 29 and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The EFCC noted that its investigation began after MultiChoice Nigeria filed a complaint in 2019, alleging significant financial losses due to the unauthorized rebroadcast of its content.
