Court orders arrest of businessman for contempt

A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, presided over by Justice Agatha Okeke, yesterday, ordered the arrest of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Communication Trends Limited, Uzoma Udemba, for failure to appear in court for trial.

The court also ordered his surety to show why he should not be committed to prison.

The Uyo Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Udemba, his company and Samuel Onyeanuforo on November 19, 2020, for allegedly broadcasting English Premier League matches without the permission of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the three-count charges and were subsequently granted bail in the sum of N3m each with a surety each in like sum.

However, when the matter was called and the defence counsel, S. O. Okuguni informed the court that the second defendant, Udemba was unavailable as he fell ill after perfecting his bail conditions and was rushed to the United States for treatment.

The matter was adjourned to February 24, 25 and 26, 2021 for continuation of trial.