NCC raids piracy outlets in Abuja
…Arrests 3 suspects, confiscates N2m worth of books
Operatives of Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) have arrested three suspected book pirates and confiscated infringing books worth over two million Naira (N2,000,000) during an antipiracy operation in Area 1 Shopping Complex, Abuja.
Speaking at a post-raid media briefing at the Commission’s Headquarters, in Abuja, the Director-General, NCC, Dr. John Asein stated that the operation was in line with the Commission’s zero tolerance for piracy and persistent efforts to stem the tide of copyright piracy, especially during the ongoing book season.
He revealed that suspected pirated books with an estimated market value of over two million Naira (N2,000,000) were seized from the raided outlets.
According to him, four suspected bookshops: Venco Bookshop (1 Outlet), Gozie Bookshop (1) and Kizito Bookshop (2 Outlets) were raided during the operation led by the Director of NCA, Mr. Akpan and Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso, with a team of Copyright Inspectors, backed by armed Policemen.
Asein, who was represented by the Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (DNCA), Mr. Mike Akpan, the Director-General indicated that the Commission has commenced full investigation into the cases while suspects found to be in violation of the law would be prosecuted.
Emphasising the Commission’s zero tolerance for piracy and other copyright violations, the DirectorGeneral charged operators of sales outlets for copyright works to always stock genuine products.
