According to Babatunde, during the raid, the commission seized suspected pirated books valued at N3 million.

He said that the suspects were under investigation at the moment and would face charges after it was determined what role they had played in the crime.

The NCC representative stated that safeguarding and advancing the rights of writers and other participants in the copyright ecosystem was a part of the commission’s mandate.

He claims that the commission also makes sure writers and artists are compensated for their labors.

“The commission is dedicated to ensuring that pirate activity in Rivers and Bayelsa is minimized to the lowest possible level,” the speaker declared.

According to Babatunde, Dr. John Asien, the Director-General of the NCC, has zero tolerance for copyright violations and piracy.

He sent a warning to importers, printers, and booksellers about intellectual property theft.

Additionally, the director warned the public not to support pirates, stating that “doing so is a criminal offence.”

It is against Section 44 of the Copyright Act, 2022, to support pirates. Supporting piracy kills both the economy and creativity.

He declared, “Let’s buy our books from publishers and authorized dealers instead of from roadside vendors, printers, and middlemen.”

Babatunde pleaded with the people to provide the commission with reliable information so that it can combat piracy in the state.

Newsmen were informed by one of the suspects, Mrs. Chinyere Ezediora, that she had recently joined the company and was unaware of the anti-piracy statute.

When the commission arrived for an arrest in our store, that’s when I first learned about book piracy.

“I implore the commission to raise public awareness of the matter. She stated that there is a need for more public knowledge of the legislation.