A Kano court has adjourned a copyright infringement case filed by musician Abdul Kamal against BBC Hausa until February 10th. The legal battle centers on allegations that the BBC’s Hausa service used a musical piece without the artist’s permission. Mr. Kamal is seeking 120 million Nigerian Naira in damages from the broadcaster.

During the latest court session, BBC Hausa presented its third witness, music producer Jamilu Musa. Mr. Musa testified that he created the musical piece in question and produced it for the BBC. He presented a flash drive containing the audio file as evidence during the proceedings.

The defense team for the BBC, led by lawyer AbdulShakur, played the audio recording in court, which the judge permitted. This move aimed to substantiate the BBC’s claim that the music was legitimately produced and used.

However, under cross-examination by Mr. Kamal’s lawyer, Bashir Ibrahim Umar, Mr. Musa admitted that the receipt for a 110,000 Nigerian Naira payment did not explicitly name the BBC. He reiterated that he had produced numerous music pieces for the broadcaster and stated he did not know Abdul Kamal.

With the presentation of its third witness, the BBC has concluded its defense in the copyright infringement case. Both parties are now preparing to submit their final written arguments to the court.

The court has set February 10th as the date for the submission of these final written addresses. This will allow the judge to review all evidence and arguments before making a ruling on the matter, marking a significant step in the ongoing legal dispute.

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Keywords: BBC Hausa copyright case, Abdul Kamal lawsuit, music rights infringement, Kano court hearing, BBC Hausa music dispute, intellectual property law Nigeria, federal high court Kano, media copyright claims