The Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein, has reaffirmed the Commission’s legal authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in copyright infringement.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, Asein emphasized that copyright violations are criminal offences under Nigerian law, punishable by fines and imprisonment.
“NCC has the power to investigate, raid, seize, arrest, and prosecute individuals suspected of copyright infringement,” he stated.
According to Asein, Copyright Officers in the Commission possess powers equivalent to those of police officers under the Police Act, enabling them to carry out enforcement duties independently.
He stressed that the Commission can initiate criminal proceedings regardless of a complainant’s position. “The decision to prosecute or discontinue a case lies exclusively with the NCC. Even if a complainant withdraws a petition, we may still pursue prosecution if necessary,” he said.
The DG highlighted ongoing enforcement efforts, including raids across various parts of the country leading to the seizure of pirated books and other materials. He also referenced a notable Federal High Court ruling affirming the NCC’s autonomy to prosecute copyright offenders.
“In that case, the court clarified that the withdrawal of a complaint by a copyright owner does not automatically terminate the criminal charge,” Asein explained.
The NCC, he noted, continues to play a vital role in regulating and enforcing copyright laws, maintaining a national database of authors and works, and raising public awareness on copyright protection.
“Our vision is to create a thriving environment for copyright protection through effective enforcement, particularly by combating piracy and supporting Nigeria’s creative industries,” Asein added.
