A High Court in Port Harcourt has issued a restraining order against the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and Multichoice, preventing them from further harassing Dr. Ifeanyi Nwafor, Managing Director of Metro Digital Limited.
Presiding Judge Justice Chinwendu Nwogu ruled that Dr. Nwafor is entitled to his fundamental rights, including personal liberty, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement, as enshrined in sections 35, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
Metro Digital had previously approached the court to compel Multichoice to sublicense channels to it in accordance with the National Broadcasting Code. The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt ruled in favor of Metro Digital, affirming their rights against intimidation and harassment by the NCC and Multichoice.
The court found that the NCC’s invitation of Metro Digital on alleged copyright infringement charges, instigated by Multichoice, violated Dr. Nwafor’s fundamental rights. Consequently, the court issued a perpetual injunction against the NCC, preventing them from further harassment or arrest of Dr. Nwafor or invasion of Metro Digital premises.
Additionally, the court awarded Metro Digital N30 million in general damages against Multichoice, along with a 10% post-judgment interest per annum until final payment, and N500,000 in costs.
