BY AGENCY REPORTER
The Nigerian Copyright Commission says it has arrested 17 suspected pirates and seized infringed materials worth N140 million in Lagos State between January and August.
Materials seized included authored books, compact disc, digital video and audio CDs.
Mathew Ojo, Director, NCC Lagos Office, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, on Saturday that the arrests and seizures were made at Ikota, Yaba, Ikeja, Oshodi and Iyana-Ipaja and other parts of the state.
He said that the suspects had been charged to court and would be punished if found guilty, while the confiscated materials would be destroyed.
“This year, the Commission has arrested 17 suspected pirates and also seized infringed materials worth of N140million between January and August.
“This was done by the NCC operations team with support from the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.
“We appreciate the efforts of the security agencies in ensuring the smooth operations and kudos to the Commission’s operations team as well.
“We hope to keep the good collaborative spirit alive and also strengthen the working relationship,’’ he said.
Ojo, who stated that there was no hiding place for pirates, urged those engaged in it to desist from the illicit act for publishers to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
“It is a criminal offence to infringe another person’s intellectual property. Those found wanting should be ready to face the music,’’ Ojo said.
