Copyright Commission Seals Off Seven  Bookshops In Ondo, Ekiti States

…. Make Six Arrests 

By Oluronke Kuku 

The Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has sealed off seven different bookshops In both Ondo and Ekiti States with arrests of the total of six people effected by the officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps over their involvements in storing and selling of pirated books in their shops. 

During the raid carried out by the Nigerian Copyright Commission in Ondo State, a total of five bookshops were sealed, and four suspects arrested for allegedly selling pirated books on Tuesday.

According to findings, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), raided the stores allegedly used for storing pirated books and stationeries in Ondo City. 

Several books worth millions of naira were confiscated during the operation.

The Pirated bookshops sealed in Ondo City include DSF Central bookshop, Great Mandela Bookshop, Ejisco Bookshop and Omega Bookshop, all located at the palace road.

However, some of the suspects denied the allegations, insisting that they were operating legally.

Also, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, the NCC equally has arrested two individuals for allegedly selling pirated books and sealed off their bookshops.

The enforcement exercise, carried out by the NCC Ibadan office, and led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Oluropo Oke, with support of the officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, also raided Kaycee Bookshop, where the operator, Mr. Kelechukwu Okoro, was arrested after hundreds of suspected pirated books were recovered. The shop was immediately sealed. 

A similar operation was carried out at Hope and Faith Bookshop, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, where several pirated books were also confiscated.

Speaking on the development, the State Coordinator of the NCC, Ibadan office,

Mrs. Oke explained that the exercise was part of the commission’s commitment to enforcing copyright laws, combating piracy, and protecting the rights of legitimate authors and publishers.

She emphasized that piracy not only robs creators of their rightful earnings but also damages the economy and promotes the circulation of substandard materials.

She urged bookshop owners and distributors to shun pirated materials and patronize only genuine publishers, stressing that the NCC would continue to intensify its clampdown on copyright offenders.

She further affirmed that there are clear differences between original and pirated copies, adding that piracy is a poison to Nigeria’s economy.

Also reacting at the end of the raids, the Head of Operations, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Abuja Office, Mr Oluwafemi Ajala, said the arrests followed days of intelligence led investigation.

He added that the suspects would be profiled and charged to court immediately after investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, some of the suspects denied the allegations, insisting that they were operating legally.