News
MCSN Fires Back at Tony Okoroji, Defends Approval, Alleges Decades-Long Campaign of Falsehood
Cyril Ogar
The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has strongly refuted allegations made against it by Mr Tony Okoroji, describing the claims as false, malicious and part of a long-running campaign aimed at undermining the organization.
In a statement signed on Tuesday in Abuja by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mayowa Ayilaran, MCSN responded to a recent press briefing issued under the name of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), in which Okoroji allegedly accused MCSN of being a “scam machine” established to siphon funds from Nigerian musicians.
MCSN dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading, accusing Okoroji of attempting to influence government institutions, including the National Assembly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the courts through what it described as a campaign of misinformation.
According to MCSN, the dispute dates back to the early 1990s when amendments to Nigeria’s Copyright Act introduced a requirement for collective management organizations (CMOs) to obtain approval from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). The society stated that although it had been operating since 1984 and applied for approval when the process commenced, it was denied recognition while the then Performing and Mechanical Rights Society (PMRS), later renamed COSON, received approval.
MCSN claimed that it spent decades pursuing legal and administrative remedies to secure approval, eventually receiving support from the House of Representatives following a public hearing in 2013. The National Assembly reportedly directed the NCC to approve MCSN as a collecting society after hearing submissions from all stakeholders.
The organization further stated that its eventual approval in March 2017 followed the implementation of the National Assembly’s resolution and not any improper influence as alleged by Okoroji. It noted that subsequent legal actions challenging its approval were dismissed by the courts.
Responding to allegations concerning financial benefits received by MCSN, including N2.5 billion awarded following a Court of Appeal judgment involving Multichoice Nigeria Limited and funds distributed under the Levy Order Scheme, the society maintained that all transactions were lawful, transparent and subject to scrutiny by relevant government agencies.
MCSN also accused Okoroji of continuing to use the COSON name despite court judgments which it said questioned the legal status of the organization and directed that the name be removed from official records.
The society recalled several court cases involving COSON and the NCC over the suspension and eventual termination of COSON’s operating licence, noting that attempts to overturn those decisions had failed in court.
Furthermore, MCSN cited a defamation judgment in favour of its CEO, Mayowa Ayilaran, in which a court reportedly awarded N25 million in damages against Okoroji.
While assuring stakeholders in the music industry that it remains committed to transparency and the protection of creators’ rights, MCSN announced that it has formally petitioned law enforcement authorities against Okoroji over alleged criminal activities.
The organization expressed confidence that the facts would ultimately prevail and pledged to continue defending its reputation and role within Nigeria’s copyright administration system.
News
DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development
Cyril Samania
The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.
Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.
He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.
According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.
He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.
Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.
He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.
Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.
He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.
Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.
He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.
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