By PRISCILLA OSAJE

Dr John Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says the commission has the power to investigate, raid, seize, arrest, and prosecute copyright infringements.

Asein said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The D-G said that the commission has the authority to enforce copyright laws and take action against individuals or organisations that violate them.

?NCC has the power to investigate, raid, seize, arrest, and prosecute individuals suspected of copyright infringement,? Asein said.

According to him, Copyright Officers in the commission are vested with powers to carry out these duties, which are similar to those of police officers under the Police Act.

?Copyright infringement is considered a criminal offence under Nigerian law, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

?The NCC can institute criminal actions against infringers, and the decision to prosecute or discontinue a case lies exclusively with the NCC.

?NCC conducts independent investigations upon receiving complaints, and its decision to pursue a case is not dependent on the complainant?s wishes,? he said.

Asein further said that even if a complainant decided to withdraw a petition, NCC could still proceed with the case if it deems necessary.

?As regards enforcement actions, raids and seizures, NCC has carried out enforcement in various parts of the country, confiscating large consignments of pirated books and other copyrighted materials.

?The NCC works with the courts to prosecute copyright infringement cases.

?In a notable case, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the NCC has the autonomy to institute criminal actions against copyright infringers.

?The withdrawal of a complaint by the alleged copyright owner does not necessarily terminate the criminal charge,? he added.

NAN reports that the primary mandate of the NCC is to administer, regulate, and enforce copyright law in Nigeria.

This includes monitoring and supervising Nigeria?s adherence to international copyright conventions.

The NCC also sensitises the public on copyright laws and maintain a database of authors and their works.

The commission?s vision is to create a thriving environment for copyright protection through effective administration and enforcement particularly combating piracy, by supporting all creative industries and harnessing their potential for national development. (NAN)

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