The Lagos zonal office of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has arrested 15 suspected pirates and seized goods worth N60 million in the last seven months, this is according to an official.

The zonal manager, Uwem Udoh, stated that the commission carried out the anti-piracy raids in Ojo, Somolu and Festac town.

He also said that the action was also extended to some major markets in the state.

Udoh stated, “The commission carried out raids in Alaba Market, Festac town and Somolu about two months ago and several pirates were arrested.

“We arrested 15 pirates in the last seven months.

“The total estimated value of seized pirated goods in the first and second quarters of the year is about N60 million.’’

Udoh however said the commission was intensifying efforts to maintain its zero-tolerance policy against piracy, as part of its plans for the year.

He further added that the commission recently raided the Alaba International Market in Ojo in continuance of its efforts to clamp down on major piracy hubs in the state.

He disclosed that some of the suspects have been charged to the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Udoh said that the commission also conducted anti-piracy inspection in professional print, publishers and CDs’ distribution outlets within Lagos metropolis where it made some seizures.

He added that the commission was stepping up its anti-piracy raids in the third and last quarters of the year to reduce acts of piracy in the state and in the country.

Udoh said that despite the financial challenge confronting the commission, it achieved a lot in the last seven months, adding that the commission needed more funds to achieve its set mandate. (TV360 Nigeria)

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