MCSN Seeks to Vacate Court Order Freezing Levy Funds

The Music Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) is taking legal action to vacate an ex parte order issued by a Federal High Court in Lagos that froze its copyright levy funds. This order specifically restrains the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 20 commercial banks from releasing these funds to MCSN.

Halim Moham, the manager of MCSN, described the situation as routine and not a significant issue. MCSN has initiated steps to challenge the order and has referred to a garnishee order.

The organization is acting under the provisions of the 1988 Copyright Act and the recently reactivated Section 89 of the Copyright Act 2022, which allows rights holders to receive payments directly. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) had previously authorized MCSN to collect copyright levies.

The next court hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026, where the court will interpret Section 89(3) regarding the NCC's authority.