Nigerian Copyright Society COSON Condemns Former AGF Malami Over Defrauding Of Musicians, Demands Audit Of MCSN, NCC In N1.2billion Levy Funds
Nigerian Copyright Society COSON Condemns Former AGF Malami Over Defrauding Of Musicians, Demands Audit Of MCSN, NCC In N1.2billion Levy Funds
According to COSON, MCSN failed to submit required documentation, pay prescribed fees, or undergo statutory evaluation before being approved.
The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has launched a blistering attack on former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, accusing him of foisting a “scam machine” on the Nigerian music industry to siphon billions of naira from musicians.
In a full text of a press briefing held at COSON House, Lagos on Thursday, made available to SaharaReporters on Friday, the organisation’s leadership alleged that Malami used his office to improperly approve the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) as a collecting society, halted criminal prosecutions against its officials, and manipulated regulatory processes surrounding the Private Copy Levy scheme.
“The scam machine foisted on the Nigerian music industry by Mr. Abubakar Malami to enable him, his friends and cohorts to siphon money belonging to innocent Nigerian musicians must be dismantled immediately,” COSON declared.
COSON recounted a long-running dispute dating back to 2016 and 2017, when it said Malami directed the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to approve MCSN despite what it described as clear violations of due process under the Copyright (Collective Management Organisation) Regulations 2007.
According to COSON, MCSN failed to submit required documentation, pay prescribed fees, or undergo statutory evaluation before being approved.
“What Abubakar Malami did was tantamount to announcing that someone who did not register for an exam, never paid the exam fee and never sat for the exam had passed the exam in flying colours,” the organization said.
COSON further alleged that Malami ordered the withdrawal of seven criminal cases pending against MCSN and its officials at the Federal High Court without filing a formal nolle prosequi, instead directing the NCC to withdraw the cases.
The society described the move as “blatantly unlawful,” insisting that statutory powers to issue directives to the NCC resided with the minister responsible for culture—not the Attorney-General.
Central to the latest dispute is the Private Copy Levy scheme, first introduced into Nigerian law in 1992 and retained in subsequent copyright legislation. The scheme imposes levies on devices and materials capable of copying copyrighted works, with proceeds intended for distribution to rights holders.
COSON said it played a foundational role in drafting the levy framework decades ago and later assisted with drafting regulations for its implementation.
In recent weeks, controversy erupted after reports that the Nigerian Customs Service released funds collected under the scheme. COSON alleged that approximately ₦1.2 billion had been allocated by the NCC under Director-General John Asein to MCSN.
“It has become clear that the sum of 1.2 billion Naira has been allocated by the NCC under the leadership of John Asein to MCSN, Malami’s Special Purpose Vehicle,” COSON stated.
“The leadership of MCSN played no role in developing the scheme and does not have the database or structure to manage it.”
The organisation demanded full disclosure of total levy collections and a transparent process for equitable distribution.
COSON also revisited longstanding controversy surrounding a reported ₦2.7billion payment obtained from Multichoice by MCSN.
“Very few musicians in whose name the billions were obtained ever saw one naira of the billions,” COSON alleged. “The time has finally come for a proper investigation of who got how much from the Multichoice largesse.”
The group called for a forensic audit to determine how the funds were distributed and who benefited.
The organisation reserved strong criticism for NCC Director-General John Asein, accusing him of implementing Malami’s agenda and stifling investigations into alleged irregularities.
“After over seven years of implementing the agenda of Mr. Abubakar Malami, Mr. John Asein… must be relieved of his position as Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission without delay,” COSON demanded.
COSON further called for forensic audits of both MCSN and the NCC to ensure accountability in the management of royalty funds.
In a sweeping ten-point resolution, COSON urged the Federal Government to: “Intervene immediately and dismantle the scam machine” allegedly established under Malami. Suspend further sharing or spending of Private Copy Levy funds until a transparent distribution mechanism is established. Annul MCSN’s license, citing alleged lack of due process. Reopen and fully prosecute the seven stalled criminal cases against MCSN officials. Conduct forensic audits of MCSN and the NCC.
“Investigate the income sources of MCSN’s leadership. Remove NCC Director-General John Asein. Warn COSON members against joining MCSN. Caution musicians against what it described as a “fraudulent marriage” between factionalized PMAN leadership and MCSN.”
“We have been unflinching, unwavering and unapologetic in building and maintaining COSON as a world-standard institution,” the society said. “Transparency and accountability will continue to be the watch words of COSON.”
In an emotionally charged segment of the briefing, COSON recounted alleged intimidation, frozen bank accounts, investigations by security agencies, and threats faced during the dispute.
“I was prepared to lay down my life in the defence of the rights of the creative people of Nigeria,” the speaker said. “No great nation on earth has been built by cowards.”
The briefing concluded with a stark warning: “Karma is not done. All those who think they are smart and are feeding fat at the expense of Nigerian musicians will surely pay dearly for their greed.”
