NCC Seizes Pirated Materials Worth N300M, Arrests Chinese Suspect

Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC)’s determination to stamp out piracy received a boost with the seizure of two thousand cartons of pirated books belonging to various publishers during an anti-piracy operation at Tedi Village in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government of Lagos State recently.

Mr. Afam Ezekude, drector-general, NCC, who disclosed this in a press briefing in Lagos said, value of seized pirated books are worth three hundred million naira (N300,000,000).

Mr. Ezekude noted that the value of seized consignment represents the income and tax legitimate copyright owners and governments stands to lose if these pirated books were allowed to enter the Nigerian market. According to him, a Chinese national, suspected to be a piracy kingpin and leader of a syndicate that specialized in trans-border book piracy was arrested in connection with the pirated books. He said investigations are ongoing for the purpose of fishing out other collaborators for subsequent prosecution.

While commending the Nigerian Police for their collaboration and immense support in the fight against copyright piracy in Nigeria, Mr. Ezekude urged other stakeholders to deepen their support for the Commission in the area of intelligence gathering, investigation and prosecution of copyright offenders as it was crucial in the fight against piracy. Adding that the Commission looks forward to sustaining the collaboration between copyright owners, other sister government agencies and the Press in the fight against piracy; and further stated this will ensure substantial income for the creative industry, increased investment, employment generation and overall economic wellbeing for the nation.