Ogun traders attack NCC team during piracy crackdown

Traders at Sabo Market in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Thursday attacked officials of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, led by the Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs Oluropo Oke, and prevented the enforcement team from leaving the market with seized bags of pirated books.

The mob, reportedly incited by a young man believed to be the husband of one of the booksellers caught selling pirated books, threatened to burn down the commission’s operational vehicles, including one belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State command.

The rampaging traders also attacked the NSCDC operatives deployed to ensure the exercise proceeded without incident.

The enforcement team had successfully raided two bookshops inside the busy market, confiscated the pirated books, and sealed the shops, but the traders mobilised to block the NCC team from departing.

Speaking with journalists about the incident, Oke said that she and her team were in the market to execute the constitutional mandate of the NCC under the leadership of its Director General, Dr John Asein, only to be attacked by a mob allegedly led by the husband of one of the women caught in the illegal trade of pirated books.

She stated that the commission would not be intimidated or discouraged by the unprovoked attack, vowing that all those involved in aiding and abetting piracy in the market would soon face dire consequences.

Oke said, “We have successfully evacuated the pirated books, sealed these shops, and were about to leave Sabo Market when the husband of the shop owner organised a gang of boys to attack us and even the security operatives.

They threatened to kill us, burn our vehicles, and beat us with charms; it was the height of lawlessness, even though we are only doing our constitutional duties to protect the economy and ensure that creators reap the fruits of their hard work.

“Piracy is a form of economic sabotage that attracts at least a five-year jail term. It kills creativity, discourages innovation, and fuels unemployment.

“NCC, under the purposeful leadership of our hardworking Director-General, Dr John Asein, remains undaunted and resolute despite the unprovoked attack and sheer brigandage demonstrated by traders in Sabo Market, Sagamu, today.

“The law is clear that those who perpetrated this attack will account for their actions. This is not a banana republic; Nigeria is governed by law. In due course, these individuals will be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed. The DG of NCC, Dr Asein, assures Nigerians that justice will be served.”

Oke further stated that an NCC operation at another bookshop opposite the palace of the Akarigbo of Sagamu was successful and that the owner of that shop will also face consequences for illegal trade.

She urged Nigerians to join the government in fighting piracy, given its immeasurable negative impact on the economy and job creation.