Copyright: Commission Arrests Six, Impounds Equipment

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in Benin?arrested six persons involved in illegal transmission or rebroadcast of Multichoice Nigeria Limited (DSTV) and channels of other broadcasting organisations.

The NCC Benin Zonal Manager, Mr Michael Madueke, told newsmen in Benin that the arrests were made last Friday during an anti-piracy raid carried out by the surveillance unit of the commission within?Benin city.

He said that the commission secured 10 convictions within a year, adding that some cases were still in court.

“Six persons were recently arrested in six different outfits in Benin for illegally transmitting or rebroadcasting the channels of DSTV and channels of other broadcasting entities. “Items impounded included cables, decoders, spliters and smart cards?worth about N6 million.

“The suspects have been charged to court and are awaiting trials,” he said.

He said the raid was an effort of the Director-General of NCC, Mr Afam Ezekude, to reduce piracy to zero level noting that such raids would also be of immense benefit to the public as it would enable right owners to benefit from the fruits of their labour.

Madueke advised the public to desist from patronising illegal broadcasting outfits commonly called “Cable Network Boys’’ and warned that anyone caught would be treated as a conspirator.

He also urged the public to report anyone involved in such illegal act to the commission.