Piracy Crackdown in Rivers State: Nigerian Copyright Commission Arrests Three Bookshop Owners....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has taken decisive action against book piracy, apprehending three bookshop owners in Rivers State over alleged involvement in the illegal act. The arrests occurred following an anti-piracy operation conducted within the Port Harcourt metropolis, aimed at curbing the rampant distribution of pirated materials.

N3 Million Worth of Pirated Books Seized

The Director of the NCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate, Abdul Babatunde, revealed that during the operation, suspected pirated books worth N3 million were confiscated. Babatunde stated that the suspects are currently under investigation and will face prosecution once evidence of their involvement is confirmed.

He emphasized that these actions align with the commission’s core mandate to safeguard the rights of authors and other creative professionals in the copyright ecosystem, ensuring they receive proper rewards for their hard work.

Fighting Piracy in Rivers and Bayelsa

Babatunde highlighted the NCC’s ongoing efforts to minimize the activities of pirates in Rivers and Bayelsa states, noting that Dr. John Asien, the NCC Director-General, has zero tolerance for any violation of copyright laws. He issued a stern warning to booksellers, printers, and importers, cautioning them against engaging in the theft of intellectual property.

“The commission is committed to reducing the activities of pirates to the barest minimum,” Babatunde said, reaffirming the NCC’s dedication to enforcing copyright protection.

Public Urged to Avoid Patronizing Pirates

In his remarks, Babatunde called on the public to steer clear of pirated books, warning that patronizing such materials is a criminal offense under Section 44 of the Copyright Act, 2022. He stressed that buying pirated books undermines creativity and weakens the economy.

“Let us buy our books from publishers and authorized dealers, not from middlemen, printers, and roadside vendors,” he added.

The Need for Greater Public Awareness

One of the arrested suspects, Mrs. Chinyere Ezediora, pleaded ignorance of the anti-piracy laws, claiming it was her first time hearing about book piracy when the commission raided her shop. She urged the NCC to ramp up public awareness campaigns to better educate the public about the consequences of piracy.

“I urge the commission to sensitize the public more about the issue. The public needs to be more informed about the law,” she said.

Babatunde also encouraged members of the public to assist the commission by providing credible information that could help in tackling piracy in the state.