The leadership of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has claimed that it spearheaded the raid on Wednesday by the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) on the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the umbrella body of Nigerian musicians, and signed by its general secretary, Aita Bonny, it led the team of detectives from Abuja to the Tony Okoroji-led COSON office at Ikeja, Lagos in line with its copyright enforcement drive.

The statement said COSON’s operating license was suspended by the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) in 2018 due to COSON’s inability to account for royalties collected on behalf of musicians and right owners.

In the course of the raid, said the statement, COSON general manager, Mrs Bernice Eriemeghe along with other management staff were arrested and taken to Abuja office of the FCID.

Mrs Eriemeghe was however later released on bail after she purportedly fainted during arrest.

"The National Working Committee of PMAN assures all musicians that all the suspects will be charged to court to answer to the charges preferred against them, including COSON's chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, who's currently evading arrest , claiming to have been diagnosed with a strange ailment he calls brain stroke.

“The president of PMAN Pretty Okafor, who personally led the team of detectives with some other notable PMAN executives in the raid on COSON HOUSE, asserts that all COSON bank accounts have been frozen to stop any further illegal withdrawal of funds by (its) management and accountants,” the statement stated.

“PMAN strongly advises all users of copyright works to desist from dealing with COSON in order to avoid being caught up in legal issues to the detriment of their corporate image. Any user of copyright works that seeks clarity as regards to the CMO to obtain license should act in line with NBC code by contacting the regulator, NCC for clarification,” the statement added.

Update news