Copyright Commission seizes suspected pirated books in Abuja, puts value at ₦7m
The Nigerian Copyright Commission says it seized cartons and bags of suspected pirated books during an enforcement operation at Garki Market in Abuja.
The Commission said the September 4 operation targeted an outlet suspected of storing and distributing books reproduced without permission from copyright owners.
It estimated the seized materials at about ₦7 million in street value.
The figure is the NCC’s estimate and has not been independently verified by IDNN.
Outlet sealed after operation
According to the Commission, its enforcement team acted on intelligence about suspected storage and distribution of unauthorised publications.
The operation was led by NCC Director of Operations Femi Ajala, with support from personnel of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
NCC says officers found several cartons and bags of books it suspects were reproduced or distributed without authorisation.
The materials were removed and the premises sealed.
₦7m figure is NCC estimate
The Commission puts the estimated street value of the seized books at about ₦7 million.
That is not the same as a proven financial loss.
IDNN has not seen an independent valuation, sales records or other documentation confirming the amount.
There is also no verified figure for any loss suffered by authors, publishers or other rights holders.
Piracy allegation remains unproven
NCC describes the books as suspected pirated publications.
The seizure does not by itself establish that an individual or business committed copyright infringement.
No court finding reviewed by IDNN has established criminal responsibility arising from the Garki Market operation.
What investigators must establish
Ajala said further investigation would seek to determine the ownership and source of the books and how they entered distribution.
The key questions now are whether the Commission can establish that the publications were reproduced or distributed without authority, identify those responsible and determine whether charges will follow.
For now, the verified position is limited:
NCC says it seized cartons and bags of suspected pirated books from an outlet in Garki Market and sealed the premises.
The Commission estimates their street value at about ₦7 million.
The source of the books, responsibility for their distribution and any criminal liability remain under investigation.