Operatives of the Edo Police Command, have reportedly arrested the embattled Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji.
In a statement obtained by eelive.ng, it was discovered that Okoroji’s arrest was in response to a petition filed by concerned COSON members who were enraged over Okoroji’s misappropriation of the society’s funds.
As seen in the statement, Okoroji was arrested around 5:00 pm (WAT) on Monday, December 14, 2020, after a warrant was secured.
Speaking on Okoroji’s arrest, sources within the music society said the action became a necessity following his failure to account for the society’s funds during his 10-year reign as the chairman of the COSON Board, which eventually resulted in the loss of the society’s operating license.
Below are some of the allegations against Okoroji:
- Unwarranted attacks on the persons of the Director-General and other Directors of NCC.
- The huge cost of frivolous lawsuits against persons and other institutions, including the NCC and its directors.
- The purchase and renovation of COSON House at Ikeja, Lagos, without securing approval from the society’s board.
- Collection of commission on license fees paid by blue-chip companies, which include MTN, Nigerian Breweries, and Airtel.
- Abusing his position at the society to award himself royalty payments.
- Embezzling COVID-19 palliative of N72.5 million, which was meant for the 4000 members of the society.
- Purchasing two luxurious cars -one for the office of the Chairman (Non-Executive), and the other for the office of the General Manager. The cars valued at N17 million were bought without statutory approval.
- Lending loans to board members of the society.
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