Embattled Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji is under probe for multiple fraud allegations.
Eelive.ng can confirm this development, as he was spotted today (Wednesday, December 16, 2020), at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, Zone 5 in Benin, Edo State.
At the time Okoroji was spotted, he was in the company of his lawyer, which makes it obvious that his visit to the police was in compliance with the summon issued at the point of his arrest on Monday, December 14.
Reliable sources who are familiar with the matter, told this publication that, Okoroji pleaded to be released on medical grounds, promising to honour the police summon today.
“While the claim of failing health did not stop him from chairing the sham AGM where members and even ex-directors were denied entry and physical participation based on spurious COVID-19 considerations that were selectively applied to accommodate only his avowed supporters, Okoroji could not but make himself available to police for questioning today,” a source stated.
While a petition has been written to the police to probe Okoroji for the alleged misappropriation, some industry players expressed the embattled COSON boss is being protected.
“We are wary of the conduct of the police… Up until now, the is believed to have actively protected the embattled chairman from answering to numerous claims of criminal infractions by members of the collective management organisation.
“COSON had in its annual audited account declared expenditure in excess of N30 million on security for 2018 alone – the police believed to be the primary beneficiary of that largesse,” an industry stakeholder said.
He continued: “An Additional report suggests the emergency withdrawal of a whopping sum from the COSON account was to facilitate further security protection and Okoroji’s medical expenses on a forthcoming trip abroad.”
Speaking on Okoroji’s arrest on Monday, 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.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach Chidi Nwabuzor, Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), for comment on Okoroji’s tussle with the society proves abortive, as he was not answering his phone.