NCC Arrests 8, Impounds Illegal Broadcast Equipment

Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) operatives working with law enforcement agencies have arrested eight suspects and impounded an estimated N3 million worth of illegal broadcast contrivances being used for house-to-house piracy of copyright protected signals during four days of enforcement operations in Benin, Edo State.

Vincent A. Oyefeso, assistant director, Public Affairs said over 320 units of infringing broadcast facilities were confiscated by Copyright Inspectors during the raids executed from December 19 – 22, 2012 at various locations on Owena Street, Oro Street, New Lagos Road, 2nd Ivbiore Street, Owie Street, Uwuigbe Street, Ogeide Lane and Iken Street, all in Benin City.

Oyefeso, quoted Mike Madueke, assistant director and zonal manager of NCC Benin Zonal Office as stating  that N2 million worth of infringing items were seized during the antipiracy operation on December 19, namely 77 decoders, 16 smart cards, 102 splitters, eight dishes, cable wires, remote control and registers.

Madueke added that N1 million worth of illegal items like 10 decoders, 107 splitters and cable wires were confiscated during follow-up enforcement actions carried out from December 20 to 22, 2012.

The zonal manager identified the arrested suspects as Mr. Success Igbinedion, Mr. Godwin Kadiri, Mr. Eddy Usioesefe, Ms. Joy Steve, Mr. Godwin Johnson, Mr. Osas Ikponmwosa, Mrs Sandra Emeka and Mr. Uhunoma Trinity.

He assured that the suspects would be prosecuted on conclusion of investigation, adding that the Commission has secured the consent of some subscribers who would serve as witnesses.