Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim Mareva injunction freezing copyright levy funds payable to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN).
The order bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and over 20 commercial banks from disbursing these funds pending further hearings in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026.
Case Background
The injunction followed an ex parte application filed February 5, 2026, by the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative (ReLPI) representing 11 major record labels, including Mavin Records, Davido Music Worldwide, Chocolate City Music, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Africa, and Warner Music South Africa.
Plaintiffs sought to block CBN from releasing sound recording levy funds to MCSN and restrain MCSN, its agents, or privies from accessing, transferring, or dissipating them—whether directly from CBN or via banks.
Court Orders
Justice Lewis-Allagoa, after reviewing affidavits including one by Dr. Chinedu Chukwudi, granted the prayers on February 9, 2026.
Key directives include preserving all disputed funds, filing compliance affidavits within three days of service detailing MCSN credits, and halting MCSN dealings with funds already received from opt-out labels.
Next Steps
The matter is adjourned for a motion on notice hearing, with some reports noting March 12, 2026, as the date.
This legal move underscores ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s music industry over collective management rights and levy distributions.
