The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has apprehended three bookshop owners in Rivers State on suspicion of involvement in book piracy. The arrests followed a recent anti-piracy operation within the Port Harcourt metropolis, according to the Director of the NCC Port Harcourt Directorate, Abdul Babatunde.
Babatunde revealed that during the operation, suspected pirated books valued at N3 million were confiscated. He added that the suspects are currently under investigation and will face prosecution once their involvement in the illicit activity is confirmed.
Speaking on the commission’s ongoing efforts to combat piracy, Babatunde emphasized the NCC’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of authors and other stakeholders in the copyright ecosystem. “Our mandate is to protect and promote the rights of authors, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work,” he said.
He further noted the NCC’s determination to minimize piracy activities in Rivers and Bayelsa states, underscoring that the commission is working tirelessly to curb the illegal distribution of intellectual property in the region.
Babatunde also warned booksellers, printers, and importers about the consequences of violating copyright laws. “The NCC Director-General, Dr. John Asien, has a zero-tolerance policy towards piracy. We urge the public to avoid patronizing pirates, as it is a criminal offence under Section 44 of the Copyright Act, 2022. Supporting piracy not only kills creativity but also damages the economy,” he stated.
Babatunde encouraged members of the public to purchase books from legitimate publishers and authorized dealers rather than from unauthorized middlemen or roadside vendors. He also called on the public to provide credible information that could help the NCC in its anti-piracy efforts.
One of the arrested suspects, Mrs. Chinyere Ezediora, claimed she was unaware of the anti-piracy laws and had only recently entered the book business. “This is the first time I’m hearing about book piracy. I urge the NCC to increase public awareness about this issue,” she said.
The NCC continues to ramp up its efforts to protect intellectual property rights across the country, ensuring that those involved in piracy face the full extent of the law.
