The Nigerian Copyright Commission(NCC), says that it’s had arrested 17 suspected pirates and seized infringement materials worth 140million between January and August.

Mr Mathew Ojo, Director, NCC, Lagos office told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, on Saturday.

He said that the arrest and seizures were made in different part of Lagos city.

Ojo mentioned the areas where the infringement materials were seized as; Ikota, yaba, ikeja, oshodi, iyana-ipaja to mention but few.

“So far so good, in this year, the commission has arrested 17 suspected pirates and also seized infringement materials worth of 140million between January and August.

“This was done with the support of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Custom and the NCC operation team.

“I appreciate the efforts of the government security agencies in ensuring a smooth operations and kudos to the commission operation team as well.

“I hope we keep the good spirit alive and also strengthen the working relationship, ” he said.

According to him, the 17suspected pirates have been charge to court for a trial, If found guilty they will face the punishment and all the infringement materials would be destroyed.

Ojo said that there was no hiding place for pirates in the society, adding that they can only hide for a while, they can’t hide forever, they would surely be fetch out with time.

“I therefore, urge the people engaging in pirates to desist from such illicit act and allow the publishers of works to enjoy the fruit of their hard labour.

“It is a criminal offence to copyright another person intellectual properties without permission. such act contravene the copyright law.

“Anyone found wanting would face the lyrics by appearing in court for prosecution, ” he said.

He said that the commission was committed to eradicating piracy out of the society and the commission would not take it easy with anyone found in that act.

Ojo said that the commission recently paraded some shops in yaba area of Lagos state where pirated activities are carried out, 3 suspected pirates was arrested and infringegemenet materials worth 2million were seized.

“The commission will continue to carryout it’s campaign against piracy and will not relent it’s parading of suspects and environment where such illicit act is carried out,” he said.

NAN