Hearing in the case of alleged online copyright infringement concerning the unauthorised reproduction and dissemination of music and audiovisual works belonging to both local and foreign right holders brought by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has commenced, the Commission has disclosed.
A statement issued by Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, revealed that the presentation of its case was against Netnaija Media Enterprises and its representative, Mr. Emmanuel Analike, over alleged production and possession of unauthorised copies of music and audiovisual works, unauthorised online communication of the works to the public and possession of equipment allegedly intended for making infringing copies.
The case, filed on March 2, 2025 at the Federal High Court under Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/422/25, comprises four counts of alleged copyright offences under the Copyright Act 2022. The charges include the alleged production and possession of 1,458 infringing copies of music and audiovisual works.
The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 2023 and July 2025. The Commission commenced investigations following repeated complaints from local and international copyright owners concerning the activities of Netnaija website, leading to the arrest of the defendant.
At the court proceedings on October 12, 2026, the Commission called its first witness, the investigating officer, who commenced testimony in support of its case.
The proceedings followed arguments over a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the defendant’s counsel, on October 9, 2026. The court ruled that the objection was not ripe for hearing, directing the Commission to proceed with its case.
The trial has been adjourned to November 23, 2026 for continuation of proceedings.
The case is one of the Commission’s significant on-going enforcement matters and highlights its commitment to combating online piracy and protecting the rights of copyright owners and ensuring that suspected copyright offences are addressed through due process.
The Commission was represented in court by the Head of the NCC Legal Department and prosecuting counsel, Ms. Gladys Isaac-Ojo and Chief Copyright Officer, Legal, Mrs. Joy Ogbonna.
