Crime

NCC Storms Ibadan Bookshops, Arrests Suspects in Major Piracy Crackdown

Published

12 months ago

September 20, 2025

Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has taken strong action against book piracy in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a major operation, enforcement officers from the commission raided several bookshops suspected of selling pirated educational and literary materials. The raid led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the seizure of thousands of illegal books.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This development highlights the growing efforts of the NCC to fight intellectual property theft in Nigeria’s publishing industry. Piracy has long been a serious problem in the country, costing authors, publishers, and the education sector billions of naira every year.

NCC Moves Against Book Pirates

According to officials, the raid was part of a nationwide crackdown on piracy aimed at protecting the rights of authors and publishers. The NCC said that Ibadan was chosen for the operation because of rising reports that the city had become a hub for pirated books, especially academic textbooks used by schools and universities.

During the raid, NCC officers, working with security agencies, stormed major book markets and retail shops. Several shop owners and workers were caught selling unauthorized copies of textbooks, literature, and professional books. These materials were produced without the consent of the original copyright holders.

Suspects in Custody

The NCC confirmed that the suspects arrested during the raid are now in custody and will face prosecution. The commission warned that anyone found guilty of book piracy under Nigerian law could face heavy fines, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.

An NCC spokesperson said: “This operation shows our commitment to protecting the creative industry. We will not allow the hard work of authors and publishers to be stolen by criminals who only care about profit.”

The Cost of Book Piracy in Nigeria

Book piracy has remained a threat to Nigeria’s education sector for decades. Publishers lose revenue, authors are discouraged from writing, and students are often left with poor-quality copies. Original textbooks, which require investment to produce, are replaced by fake versions that are sold cheaply in markets.

Experts say this practice not only weakens the publishing industry but also reduces the quality of education. Many pirated books contain errors, missing pages, and poor printing, which can mislead students.

The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has repeatedly called on the government to step up enforcement against piracy. According to them, unless stronger measures are taken, the book industry in Nigeria may continue to decline.

NCC’s Nationwide Campaign

The raid in Ibadan is not an isolated incident. In recent years, the NCC has carried out several similar operations across Nigeria, targeting shops, warehouses, and printing presses involved in piracy. The commission has also increased public awareness campaigns to educate students, teachers, and book buyers about the dangers of buying pirated materials.

Officials have encouraged Nigerians to always buy books from authorized sellers and to support local authors by rejecting pirated copies.

Authors Applaud the Raid

Many Nigerian authors have praised the NCC for taking action. Some writers say piracy has made it difficult for them to earn a living from their work. By cracking down on pirates, the NCC is helping restore confidence in the industry.

An Ibadan-based author said: “For too long, piracy has killed the joy of writing in Nigeria. This raid is a step in the right direction, and we hope it will continue.”

A Call for Stronger Laws

While the NCC has been active in enforcement, stakeholders believe that stronger laws and stricter penalties are needed. They argue that pirates often return to business after raids because the punishment is not strong enough to discourage them.

Education experts are also calling for collaboration between schools, universities, and the government. They suggest that institutions should work with publishers to make books more affordable and accessible so that students are not tempted to buy pirated copies.

Looking Ahead

The NCC has promised that the fight against piracy will not stop with Ibadan. More raids are expected in other major Nigerian cities. The commission is also considering new digital tools to monitor piracy online, as many fake books are now being sold through social media and e-commerce platforms.

The recent raid sends a strong warning to pirates across Nigeria that the era of operating freely is coming to an end. It also gives hope to authors, publishers, and students who rely on quality books for education and knowledge.

Crime

CRIME TSUNAMI: Kidnappers Pocket A Staggering ₦7.7 Billion Across The Country In Mind-Blowing Report!.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2026

NivoNews

A report by SBM Intelligence titled Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry 2026 reveals that kidnappers across Nigeria amassed a staggering ₦7.779 billion in ransoms between July 2025 and June 2026, which accounts for 34 percent of the total ₦22.856 billion demanded during that timeframe. Although total demands decreased from the previous cycle’s ₦48 billion (which was inflated by a massive ₦30 billion demand in Delta State), the proportion of actual ransom collected surged dramatically compared to the prior period’s 5.35 percent. This year’s record payments were heavily propelled by large-scale mass abductions capable of holding hundreds of victims under intense pressure.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Terrorist and insurgent factions dominated the collections, with the JAS faction and its affiliates raking in roughly ₦7 billion—accounting for about 90 percent of nationwide ransom payouts. This total was driven primarily by two massive incidents:

A ₦5 billion ransom reportedly paid following the April 2026 abduction of 416 people in Ngoshe, Borno State, led by commander Ali Ngulde, marking the largest single ransom payment in SBM’s database.
An estimated ₦2 billion payout following the November 2025 kidnapping of 315 pupils and staff members from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State.

Beyond these major terrorist-linked factions, unaffiliated kidnappers and bandits collected ₦719.4 million (about nine percent of total payments), while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) secured ₦53 million.

Geographically, Kwara State registered the highest ransom demands at ₦7.375 billion (32.3 percent of the national total, largely driven by a ₦3.52 billion demand linked to Boko Haram activity around Woro and Wawa), followed by Borno at ₦5.698 billion and Kaduna at ₦1.459 billion. However, when looking at actual payouts, Borno led the country with ₦5.0545 billion collected, trailed by Niger (₦2 billion), Kwara (₦278.3 million), Kaduna (₦64 million), and Sokoto (₦58 million), with these five states alone accounting for 95.8 percent of nationwide ransom collections. Conversely, states like Kebbi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, and Imo saw much lower demands, and minimal payouts—such as ₦70,000 in Cross River or ₦100,000 in Bauchi—often represented token settlements or arrangements finalized with supplies and food rather than large cash sums.

Crime

BETRAYAL OF TRUST: Man Given Free Shelter Allegedly Sells Benefactor’s House And Scams Cleric Of ₦13.6 Million.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

NivoNews

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Yusuf Oyepeju before the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan. Oyepeju appeared alongside two corporate entities—Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited—to face a six-count charge encompassing forgery, document uttering, theft by conversion, and obtaining money under false pretenses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement released in Ibadan on Wednesday by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the case stems from a relationship that began on an Islamic WhatsApp educational platform where both Oyepeju and the victim, Fasasi Bayonle, served as tutors. Bayonle, an Islamic cleric based in Dubai, eventually fell victim to a severe betrayal of trust.

From Benefactor to Alleged Victim

Investigations revealed that the saga began in 2018 when Oyepeju approached Bayonle seeking financial assistance for accommodation after getting married. Rather than a cash handout, Bayonle permitted Oyepeju to temporarily move into his vacant property located at the Ikumapayi area of Olodo, Ibadan, before relocating to the UAE.

Authorities stated that Oyepeju, posing as a property developer, subsequently convinced Bayonle to fund land purchases and housing construction projects in Ibadan, transferring a total of ₦8,697,900 between February and August 2020. However, the arrangement turned sour when Oyepeju allegedly forged a “Transfer of Agreement,” sold the very house he was given to live in for free to companies linked to him, and converted the proceeds. Investigators also discovered that he never purchased or developed the promised land.

Court Proceedings and Remand

Appearing before Justice Olusola Adetujoye, Oyepeju pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Sanusi Galadanchi requested a trial date and asked that the defendant be remanded. Meanwhile, defense counsel B. Ajibola informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served.

Justice Adetujoye adjourned the proceedings for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, pending the next court date.

Crime

THE ULTIMATE RESCUE: How Gallant Troops Smashed A Bandit Hideout And Freed 14 Captives In A Rain Of Bullets!.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 26, 2026

NivoNews

Successful Rescue: Nigerian Army troops from Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims from bandits in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
- Swift Intervention: Acting on intelligence regarding suspicious movements near Magazu village, the troops intercepted armed criminals who were attempting to abduct motorists and other civilians.
- Gunfight and Fugitive Bandits: After engaging the suspects in a firefight, the troops forced them to abandon their vehicle and flee into the surrounding bushes.
- Casualties and Treatment: While no military personnel were harmed, one rescued victim sustained gunshot wounds and was promptly admitted to the General Hospital in Tsafe for treatment.
- Ongoing Operations: The military emphasized that this successful mission is part of broader, continuous efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle criminal networks and secure local communities.