Copyright commission arrests 17 suspected pirates, seizes N140m pirated materials
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/NCC-1200x470.jpg)
Seventeen suspected pirates have been arrested and infringed materials worth N140 million seized in Lagos State between January and August, according to the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
Materials seized included authored books, compact disc digital video (CD) and audio CDs.
The Lagos office director of NCC, Matthew Ojo, said on Saturday that the arrests and seizures were made at Ikota, Yaba, Ikeja, Oshodi and Iyana-Ipaja, among other areas.
He said that the suspects had been charged to court and would be punished if found guilty, while the confiscated materials would be destroyed.
“This year, the commission has arrested 17 suspected pirates and also seized infringed materials worth N140 million between January and August.
“This was done by the NCC operations team with support from the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.
“We appreciate the efforts of the security agencies in ensuring the smooth operations and kudos to the commission’s operations team as well.
“We hope to keep the good collaborative spirit alive and also strengthen the working relationship,” he said.
Mr Ojo said there was no hiding place for pirates and urged those engaged in the practice to desist from the illicit act and allow publishers of works to enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.
“It is a criminal offence to infringe on another person’s intellectual property. Those found wanting should be ready to face the music,” Mr Ojo said.
He added that the NCC would continue to raid premises where copyright infringements were being carried out.
More from Peoples Gazette
![Okolie and Prasovic](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/24B6C326-DBD3-47B8-9EBA-B73A1491AB1C.jpeg)
Sport
Lawrence Okolie defends WBO title
Okolie will be looking to fight the likes of fellow African and World WBC Cruiserweight Champion Illunga Makabu or IBF World Champion Mairis Briedis.
![Adamu-Adamu](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Adamu-Adamu.jpg)
Opinion
Farooq Kperogi: Adamu Adamu, ASUU must not strike again!
Children of the poor who are condemned to attend underfunded public universities as their only passports for social mobility will thank you.
![Mahmood Yakub](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/20210402_093712-1.jpg)
Politics
INEC begins display of voters registration details
INEC says the exercise is to enable registrants to make claims and objections to their details with the electoral umpire.
![Former Central Bank Governor Charles Soludo](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/soludo-charles.jpg)
Heading 2
AnambraDecides: I’ll produce one thousand young millionaires yearly, Soludo pledges
Mr Soludo said his vision was to ensure that any child born in Anambra would not leave the state in search of greener pastures elsewhere.
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Aston-Villa-vs-Man-Utd.png)
Sport
EPL: Bruno Fernandes misses penalty as Aston Villa pip Man Utd
Aston Villa earned a shock victory over United as Bruno Fernandes missed a stoppage time penalty.
![](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/John-Yoriyo-and-PDP.png)
Politics
Ex-Gombe deputy governor, 14 other APC stalwarts defect to PDP
Mr Yoriyo said the PDP remains the best political party ever, when compared to what is obtainable in the APC.