NSCDC, Copyright Commission arrest booksellers in Ondo, Ekiti

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, has arrested some bookshop owners for allegedly selling pirated books in Akure, Ondo and Ado Ekiti.

The arrests were confirmed in a statement by DSC Daniel Aidamenbor, Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Ondo Command, on Wednesday.

Aidamenbor explained that the raid was carried out in line with Section 44(2) of the Copyright Act, which prescribes imprisonment and fines for individuals involved in the sale or distribution of pirated works.

According to the statement, the suspects were caught distributing pirated materials to unsuspecting members of the public in different parts of the two states.

The operation, which was jointly executed by NSCDC operatives and NCC officials, was aimed at curbing the spread of fake literary works.

The NCC State Coordinator covering Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti, Mrs Oke Oluropo, commended the professionalism of the NSCDC during the exercise, describing the operation as “a huge success.”

She added, “This exercise is a statutory function. The Commission has commenced inspection of schools and other outlets where copyright works are being distributed or sold.”

The Ondo State Commandant of NSCDC, Oluyemi Ibiloye, assured that the command would continue to work with relevant agencies to safeguard intellectual property and protect the creative industry from criminal exploitation.