The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has arrested three bookshop owners in Rivers State for alleged involvement in book piracy. The commission confiscated suspected pirated books worth N3 million during the operation.
According to Mr. Abdul Babatunde, Director of the NCC Port Harcourt Directorate, the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted after the facts about their involvement have been established.
The NCC is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of authors and other investors in the copyright ecosystem. The commission also ensures that authors and artists get the rewards of their hard work.
The Director-General of NCC, Dr. John Asien, has zero tolerance for piracy and violation of copyright laws. The commission warned booksellers, printers, and importers against stealing people’s intellectual property and urged the public not to patronize pirates.
One of the suspects, Mrs. Chinyere Ezediora, claimed she was new to the business and had no knowledge of the anti-piracy law. She urged the commission to sensitize the public more about the issue.
Vanguard.
