The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Metro Digital Limited before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt over allegations of cybercrime and the unlawful interception and rebroadcast of MultiChoice Nigeria’s content.
The company was brought before Justice A.T. Mohammed on Tuesday on an amended four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful interception, and unauthorized distribution of protected broadcast materials.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences were committed between 2015 and 2019 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The prosecution claims that Metro Digital Limited, alongside some of its staff—who are currently at large—conspired to illegally intercept and rebroadcast MultiChoice content using devices such as tiger boxes and dongles without authorisation.
One of the counts alleges that the defendants unlawfully intercepted and rebroadcast content belonging exclusively to MultiChoice Nigeria, in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Another count accuses them of deliberately using technical means to access and distribute protected broadcast signals without permission, causing financial losses to the company.
When the charge was read in court, Metro Digital Limited, through its representative, pleaded not guilty to all counts.
During proceedings, defence counsel, S.A. Somairi (SAN), attempted to challenge the arraignment with a preliminary objection. However, the court overruled the objection, insisting that the plea must be taken in accordance with the law.
Prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase, then urged the court to fix a trial date.
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, alleging that the company suffered significant financial losses due to the alleged illegal distribution of its subscription-based content, which includes DStv, Africa Magic, and Big Brother Naija.
