The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) have condemned the attack on anti-piracy team and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel at Sabo Market, Sagamu, Ogun.

NCC’s director-general, John Asien, condemned the attack in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Ijeoma Egbunike, in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Asien said the officers were only providing security during an anti-piracy operation but were ambushed shortly after identifying and impounding pirated books found in an unmarked shop in the market.

He commended the officers of both agencies for their restraint in the face of this provocation.

“Working with relevant authorities and the market executives, the commission will ensure that those behind this brazen attack are identified and brought to book.

“It is an offence under the Copyright Act to obstruct, hinder, assault, or impede a copyright officer in the lawful performance of his duties or in the exercise of powers conferred by the Act,” Mr Asien stated.

He further stated that NCC remained resolute in its mission to stem copyright piracy and guarantee that Nigerian creators enjoy the full benefits of their intellectual labour.

“We call on all stakeholders, market executives, community leaders, school proprietors, industry practitioners, and members of the public to join forces with the commission in the fight against copyright piracy,” he said.

Similarly, NPA, in a statement on Saturday by its executive secretary, Rotimi Iyiola, described the development as an assault on the fight against book piracy and the rule of law.

“This unacceptable act of intimidation against officers carrying out their lawful duty is a direct assault on the fight against book piracy and on the rule of law itself.

“The NPA views such resistance not only as an attack on enforcement agencies but also on the entire creative industry whose livelihoods depend on respect for intellectual property,” he said.

He noted that book piracy deprived authors, publishers, and creative professionals of their earnings, weakened the economy, and reduced the quality of educational and cultural resources available to society.

“The NPA stands in full solidarity with the NCC, NSCDC, and all partners dedicated to protecting the rights of creators and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s publishing industry.

“We call on law enforcement authorities to urgently investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

(NAN)