Dr. Asein stated this while addressing journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday after visiting security agencies in the state, following an incident at the Sabo Market in Sagamu last week, where NCC enforcement officers, supported by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were reportedly resisted by some traders during an anti-piracy operation.
According to the NCC boss, the operation was duly authorized from Abuja and based on complaints and reports from publishers and authors.
He explained that his visit was to commend the gallant officers for their courage and to show solidarity with them after the encounter.
“We will not relent in this campaign against copyright pirates in whatever form ,online or offline. Every pushback from pirates or their collaborators will be visited with as much force as it deserves. We will fish out the culprits involved in the Sagamu incident and ensure that justice is served,” he said.
He emphasized that the efforts of the Commission and its partners extend beyond enforcement, noting that they directly impact Nigeria’s creative industry, including authors, musicians, filmmakers, and other intellectual property holders.
Dr. Asein also appealed to the public to desist from patronizing pirated works, stressing that the act undermines creativity and discourages innovation.
“People should understand that what goes around comes around. If you don’t protect another person’s work today, your own work may be abused tomorrow. Let’s support our creative industry so that Nigeria can remain a country we are all proud of”.
While visiting the the Ogun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commander Remi Ekundayo, reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to continue partnering with the NCC to rid the market of piracy and other intellectual property crimes.
“We are fully committed to working with the Copyright Commission to arrest and prosecute those involved in piracy. It is unfair that after someone has worked hard to produce educational materials, others reproduce and sell them illegally. We will continue to make arrests and ensure offenders face the law,” Commander Ekundayo said.
Also speaking during the visit by the commission, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo also expressed the command’s willingness to collaborate with the NCC and other federal agencies to ensure that intellectual property laws are fully enforced.
“We will not support any illegality. Once the Commission identifies those responsible for attacking its team, we will go after them. It is important that the police are notified whenever operations like this are being carried out so we can provide backup if needed. When you succeed, we also succeed,” he stated.
The NCC delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State as part of efforts to deepen collaboration with security agencies in protecting Nigeria’s creative and intellectual property sector.
Dr. Asein reaffirmed that the Commission will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies to ensure that piracy in any form is stamped out and perpetrators brought to justice.
