In an alarming incident on Thursday, traders at Sabo Market, Sagamu, violently confronted officials from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), led by Oyo State Coordinator Mrs. Oluropo Oke. The enforcement team was ambushed as they attempted to leave the market with bags of seized pirated books.
The mob, incited by the husband of one of the caught book sellers, threatened to set ablaze the operational vehicles of the commission, including those belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State command. This escalation led to an attack on NSCDC operatives who were present to ensure a smooth enforcement operation.
Despite successfully shutting down two bookshops engaged in selling pirated materials, the NCC team found themselves trapped by an angry crowd that blocked their exit from the market.
Speaking to journalists about the incident, Mrs. Oke emphasized that the NCC was merely fulfilling its constitutional mandate under the leadership of Dr. John Asein. She condemned the mob’s actions, which she alleged were organized by a man connected to the illegal book sales.
“We will not be intimidated by such unprovoked aggression,” Oke affirmed, stating that those complicit in piracy would face significant repercussions. She elaborated, “We successfully removed the pirated books and sealed the shops, but we were met with violence as we attempted to leave.”
Oke described the threats made against her team, which included danger to their lives and attempts to destroy their vehicles. “This behavior epitomizes lawlessness. We are merely performing our duty to protect the economy and uphold the rights of creative individuals,” she asserted.
Highlighting the gravity of piracy, she noted that it constitutes economic sabotage and can result in a minimum five-year prison sentence. “Piracy stifles creativity and exacerbates unemployment,” she stated.
Despite the tumultuous events of the day, Oke reiterated the NCC’s commitment to combating piracy and called on Nigerians to join the government’s efforts in this critical fight for the economy and job creation.
