The Federal High Court No. 1 in Benin City has dismissed a case filed by Efe Omorogbe and others against the Copyright Society of Nigeria and others.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Hon. Justice B.O. Quadri dismissed the suit due to lack of territorial jurisdiction.
The court held that the defendants, including the Copyright Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji, Ms. Bernice Eriemeghe, and the Nigeria Copyright Council, operate and do business in Lagos and Abuja, respectively.
Justice Quadri also noted that the case was a classic example of “forum shopping,” where multiple suits are filed over the same matter in different courts. The court further held that the claimants’ actions amounted to an abuse of court process.
The suit, marked Suit No:FHC/B/C15/39/2021, was dismissed, and the counterclaim of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants was adjourned until May 19, 2025.
Counsel to the Copyright Society of Nigeria and others, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., had argued the case before the court.
