NCC raids Ibadan bookshops, arrests suspects over piracy
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has cracked down on bookshops in Ibadan, Oyo State, sealing several outlets and arresting suspects over the sale of pirated books. The raid, which took place on Saturday, targeted major book markets in the state capital.
The operation was led by the Oyo State Coordinator of the NCC, Mrs. Oluropo Oke, in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The joint enforcement team combed through popular markets, identifying bookshops that had been stocking pirated materials.
Among the shops sealed were Genesis, God’s Grace, Idera, Ireti-Olu, Oluseyi, and Blessings Bookshops. These outlets, located in Beere, Oritamerin, Dugbe, Gbagi, and Agbeni areas of the city, were accused of selling unlicensed books and failing to provide evidence of legitimate supplies.
Speaking after the raid, Oke explained that the exercise was part of the commission’s mandate to curb piracy, especially during the school resumption season when demand for textbooks rises sharply. She stressed that the commission would not tolerate illegal sales that deprive authors and publishers of their rightful earnings.
“We check what sellers display, their sources of supply, and ensure they do not stock pirated works. The Director-General of NCC, Dr. John Asein, has zero tolerance for piracy because it denies authors and publishers their rightful benefits,” Oke said.
The coordinator noted that many of the outlets visited did not have proper purchase records or receipts for their stock. According to her, some receipts only indicated the total amount paid without listing book titles or authors, which she described as a sign of shady practices requiring further investigation.
She further warned that excuses from sellers, such as publishers’ failure to make books available in the market, could not justify dealing in pirated works. “Piracy kills creativity, hurts the economy, and promotes substandard books. Whether or not publishers meet demand, booksellers must not turn to pirated copies,” she said.
Oke assured that the suspects arrested during the raid would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that bookshop owners who attempt to obstruct enforcement operations would also face legal consequences. She urged the public to support the NCC’s campaign against piracy by patronizing only verified and licensed book distributors.
