Connect with us

Broadcasting

Copyright Commission Warns Against Book Piracy

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Following recent inspections and anti-piracy operations across the country, the Nigerian Copyright Commission has noticed disturbing trends in the distribution of pirated books through schools, online sales outlets and traditional book stores.

The Commission has also noticed a rise in the local printing of pirated books and the illicit activities of importers, sales representatives and road transporters who deal in pirated books.

It is an offence under the Copyright Act, 2022 to reproduce, import, sell, distribute or be in possession of infringing copies of a copyright work.

It is also an offence to aid and abet criminal copyright infringement. Punishments under the Act are now significantly stiffer with no upper limit to the amount of fine or term of imprisonment that may be imposed.

Copyright Officers are vested with the powers and privileges of Police Officers and may, without warrant, enter any premises (including schools and stores) used for infringing activities.

They may also effect the arrest of persons and seal up premises connected with piracy. Convicted offenders may forfeit infringing materials and properties which are found to be proceeds of a copyright offence may be forfeited.

It is particularly disturbing that some schools source books from well-known piracy hotspots and printers for sale to their students. The Commission will henceforth treat such schools as booksellers and hold them accountable for any pirated books found in their premises or in the possession of their students.

Schools are advised to patronize publishers directly or purchase from accredited sales representatives or reputable bookstores. They should, in all cases, exercise extreme caution and due diligence in their dealings and always insist on signed invoices from suppliers.

This Advisory serves as notice to publishers, printers, importers, sales representatives, booksellers, online selling platforms, transporters, owners of premises where books are printed or stored, school proprietors and heads of schools who may be involved or aiding book piracy.

They are advised to be extra vigilant and to take adequate precautions to avoid complicity in book piracy. Booksellers should also exercise due diligence in their dealings with distributors and book importers.

The Commission acknowledges its collaboration with enforcement and security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services. We call on parents, guardians, right owners and the public to report any suspected cases of piracy to any of these agencies or to the Commission’s offices

 


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Broadcasting

UNILAG Bans Skitmaking, Content Creation on Campus

Published

on

Kindly share this post

University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has officially banned skitmaking, content creation and other video recording activities within its campus and hostels without prior authorization.

UNILAG Bans Skitmaking, Content Creation on Campus

Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, head of Communication, UNILAG, in a statement, said that the ban followed growing concern over the increasing use of university facilities for unapproved video productions, including comedy skits, vox pops and film shoots.

“The attention of the University Management has been drawn to the rising use of the University premises, including hostels and other facilities, for shooting of films, videos, skits, and similar cinematographic activities without proper authorisation,” parts of the statement read.

According to UNILAG, the decision aims to safeguard the institution’s image, maintain decorum within the academic environment, and ensure that its premises are not misrepresented in online or public content.

The university emphasized that any individual, whether a student, staff member, or external party, must seek and obtain formal approval from the institution’s Communication Unit before carrying out any form of recording or production on campus.

While acknowledging the importance of creative expression and media engagement, UNILAG maintained that all such activities must comply with its established rules and procedures to preserve order and safety.

The statement also appealed to members of the university community and the general public to strictly adhere to the new directive “in the interest of order, safety, and collective responsibility”.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

Court Orders MultiChoice to Pay Damages for Consumer Rights Violations

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Multichoice Nigeria Limited has been been ordered by Lagos Court to pay damages for breaching consumer rights, in rulings hailed by regulators as victories for consumer protection.

In Lagos, the High Court presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu awarded ₦5 million in damages against Multichoice for unlawfully disconnecting a paid DStv subscription belonging to Mr. Ben Onuora.

The court held that the disruption caused undue hardship to the subscriber and his family, and ordered the company to reconnect the service and extend the subscription to cover the lost period.

The judgment cited Sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Reacting to the judgments, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) described them as landmark decisions that reinforce Nigeria’s consumer protection framework.

In a statement signed by Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs for Mr. Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman, FCCPC, said the rulings demonstrate the effectiveness of judicial enforcement under the FCCPA.

“These outcomes strengthen consumer confidence and marketplace accountability,” Bello said, commending the judiciary and encouraging consumers to continue seeking redress through lawful channels.

Between March and August 2025, the FCCPC facilitated recoveries exceeding ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, according to the Commission.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to promoting fair markets and protecting consumer rights nationwide.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Broadcasting

MultiChoice to Delist from JSE after Canal+ Takeover

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MultiChoice Group is set to delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on December 10 2025, after Canal+ secured control of more than 90% of its shares, effectively completing its takeover of the African pay-TV giant.

MultiChoice to Delist from JSE after Canal+ Takeover

The Group, in a notice to shareholders at the weekend, announced that trading of its shares on both the JSE and A2X will be suspended from Monday, October 27, 2025.

The official delisting date of December 10 is pending regulatory approvals from the JSE, A2X, and the Financial Surveillance Department of the South African Reserve Bank.

Canal+, a French media conglomerate and subsidiary of Vivendi, crossed the 90% shareholding threshold, enabling it to invoke Section 124(1) of South Africa’s Companies Act.

This legal provision allows Canal+ to compulsorily acquire all remaining MultiChoice shares from shareholders who did not accept its offer.

According to the notice, Canal+ will acquire the remaining shares on the same terms and offer price presented during the takeover bid.

“The Remaining MultiChoice Shareholders are reminded of their rights to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction within 30 business days after receiving the Notice in terms of section 124(2) of the Companies Act (“Section 124(2) Rights”).” The notice read.

If no legal challenges are raised, Canal+ will complete the compulsory acquisition six weeks after the notice date, finalising MultiChoice’s transition into a wholly owned subsidiary of the French media group.

The delisting will mark the end of MultiChoice’s 6-year presence on the JSE, where it was listed in 2019 following its spin-off from Naspers.

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending