latest
Piracy Crackdown in Rivers State: Nigerian Copyright Commission Arrests Three Bookshop Owners
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.
latest
‘Just Following Orders’: ICPC Defends Controversial Detention Of El-Rufai!.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has firmly defended its prosecution and detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing allegations of political bias. ICPC spokesperson John Odey stated that the commission is acting strictly under court-ordered mandates and remains unfazed by the El-Rufai Support Group Association’s (ERSGA) decision to hire a Washington-based advocacy firm, Vanguard Africa, to challenge the proceedings internationally.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The ERSGA, which maintains the former governor’s innocence, argues that the legal actions against him represent a troubling trend of weaponizing due process to sideline opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections. In response, the ICPC reiterated that it is a non-political, law-enforcement body that pursues corruption allegations—including those against high-profile figures—solely based on its governing Act and judicial authorization. El-Rufai currently faces separate charges from both the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding allegations of financial impropriety and unauthorized communications surveillance.
-
ICPC Position: The commission maintains that its detention of Nasir El-Rufai is entirely lawful, authorized by a court remand order, and devoid of political motivation.
-
International Challenge: The El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA) has engaged Washington-based Vanguard Africa to lobby U.S. officials and institutions, claiming the case reflects a broader erosion of the rule of law in Nigeria.
-
Commission’s Response: ICPC spokesperson John Odey dismissed the international advocacy effort, emphasizing that the agency follows statutory procedures regardless of an individual’s political status.
-
The Charges: El-Rufai faces ongoing legal action from the ICPC over alleged fraud and abuse of office, as well as separate charges from the DSS regarding alleged communication wiretapping.
Option 3: Analytical Overview
The legal entanglement of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has escalated into an international dispute. While the ICPC asserts that it is merely performing its statutory duties—citing a court remand order as the basis for its custody of the former governor—his supporters have characterized the move as a political crackdown.
By retaining the Washington-based firm Vanguard Africa, the El-Rufai Support Group Association is attempting to bring international scrutiny to Nigeria’s judicial processes, framing the prosecution as a symptom of a systemic threat to the nation’s democratic health. Conversely, the ICPC maintains that its operations are neutral and strictly bound by the anti-graft Act, viewing the international outreach as an external matter that does not impact their commitment to prosecuting alleged financial crimes and misconduct.
Would you like me to focus this rephrasing on a specific audience, such as a formal report or a social media update?
latest
Judiciary Under Fire: Momodu Demands Ruthless Purge Of Judges Issuing ‘Rascally’ Rulings!.
Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently declared that the judiciary must be prevented from sabotaging Nigeria’s democratic stability. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Momodu’s comments followed a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Peter Lifu, which ordered INEC to deregister the ADC and several other parties. The Court of Appeal subsequently stayed the execution of this ruling, labeling the initial judgment as the “highest form of judicial impertinence”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Momodu advocated for formal sanctions against judges who issue what he termed “rascally judgments,” arguing that judicial officers who ignore established legal procedures or orders from superior courts must face accountability to preserve public trust in the rule of law.
In a separate discussion on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, Momodu revealed that he had previously encouraged Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to form a political alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Momodu noted that he urged Obi to work with Atiku—who originally helped elevate Obi to national prominence—by citing historical examples of leaders who ascended to the presidency after serving as deputies, such as former Ghanaian President John Mahama, Goodluck Jonathan, and U.S. President Joe Biden.
However, Momodu stated that Obi rejected this advice, maintaining that his own popularity surpassed that of the former Vice President. Momodu also recounted that when Atiku selected Obi as his running mate for the 2019 election, he remained steadfast in his choice despite significant opposition from party governors.
latest
Kwankwaso Fires Back! Opposition Brews Within NDC Over Controversial New Policy!.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, has publicly endorsed the party’s new anti-defection indemnity form, calling it a positive step for the organization. Speaking through the Kwankwasiyya movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Saleh Mohammed, Kwankwaso emphasized that this policy is essential for fostering internal discipline and upholding the constitutional mandate linked to party-sponsored elected officials.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The NDC implemented this loyalty affidavit specifically to curb the trend of elected representatives abandoning the party that secured their victory. Party National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, explained that this initiative is a direct response to the persistent issue of politicians defecting after utilizing a party’s platform to achieve office.
Kwankwaso’s camp maintains that this requirement aligns with the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, which discourages officials from deserting their sponsoring parties. “What the party is trying to do is only imposing the position of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To a larger extent, this is what we’ve been talking about,” Mohammed stated.
Mohammed further noted that the Kwankwasiyya movement is no stranger to the damage caused by defections, citing the departure of former Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje as a prime example. Ultimately, the movement believes this new NDC measure will prevent politicians from viewing party platforms merely as temporary vehicles for electoral success.
-
latest10 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
