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MCSN Slams Abuja Hotels with court cases
By Joel Ajayi
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) has commenced prosecution of both civil and criminal cases against some hotel owners in Abuja who have declined to obtain copyright license for musical works and sound recordings of Nigerian and foreign artistes played in their facilities.
Speaking with the MCSN Abuja Manager, General Licensing, Moses Iorsheer, yesterday in Abuja, he reiterated that MCSN was set up to collectively manage rights in musical works and sound recordings of Nigerian and foreign artistes which has made them (MCSN) Owner, Assignee and Exclusive Licensee of copyright in musical works and sound recording in Nigeria.
Iorsheer said, “we have commenced filling cases against hotels, clubs, lounges, event centers, gardens, supermarkets and other outlets where music is performed in a public place without a license from MCSN. Some of hotels we have sued include NICON Luxury, 1st Forty Hotel, Bolton White Hotel group, Stamford Hotel, BON Hotel Imperial etc. The case with Reiz Hotel is set for judgement in February 2026”. He added that many other civil cases are also being filed presently. In addition, he stated that working with security agencies, MCSN has also activated the criminal investigation of many of these places and criminal charges against their owners and managers will be filed in no distant time. He noted that they are using all available options to enforce their rights as copyright law allows criminal and civil prosecution of copyright offenders to go on at the same time.
He added that “Recall that on the 10th day of July, 2025 in the case filed by Bolton white Hotel against MCSN in suit no. FHC/ABU/CS/1840/2024 delivered by Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite the Court delivered a ruling in favor of MCSN where Bolton white Hotel sought to obtain an interlocutory order restraining MCSN from demanding royalties in the sum of N64.4m from the Hotel and other reliefs.” In that judgment Justice Nwite stated that “I am therefore in agreement with the Learned Council to the Respondent, the present application is incompetent… this Court finds that this application is incompetent and its hereby struct out”.
According to the Manager Licensing Mr. Iorsheer, MCSN is not sleeping on her oars to bring to book any hotel, restaurant, Lounges and Bars, Gardens and other places who uses music works and sound recordings in their business without obtaining the appropriate license or authorization from MCSN.
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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”
Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.
Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.
Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.
“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.
The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.
Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.
Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.
Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.
The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.
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