The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) possesses the legal authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals or organisations involved in copyright infringement, according to its Director-General, Dr John Asein.
Asein made this known during an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.
He emphasised that the commission is fully empowered to enforce copyright laws, noting that its officers have powers comparable to those of police officers under the Police Act.
NCC has the power to investigate, raid, seize, arrest, and prosecute individuals suspected of copyright infringement, he said.
He described copyright infringement as a criminal offence under Nigerian law, subject to both fines and imprisonment.
The NCC can institute criminal actions against infringers, and the decision to prosecute or discontinue a case lies exclusively with the commission, he explained.
Asein noted that NCC operates independently when it receives complaints, stressing that even if a complainant withdraws a petition, the commission could continue with the prosecution if deemed necessary.
With regard to enforcement actions such as raids and seizures, the NCC has conducted operations across the country, confiscating large consignments of pirated books and other materials, he said.
He cited a significant ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja which confirmed the NCC’s autonomy to initiate criminal proceedings, irrespective of a complainant’s withdrawal.
StarReporters reports that NCC’s core mandate includes the administration, regulation, and enforcement of copyright law in Nigeria. This encompasses ensuring compliance with international copyright treaties, maintaining a database of authors and their works, and raising public awareness of copyright regulations.
The commission aims to establish a robust copyright protection environment, supporting creative industries and combating piracy to boost national development.
(NAN)