The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has assured the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, of the Commission’s support to its fight against piracy.
Magu gave the assurance on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital through the Head, Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa while receiving the Rivers State’s Zonal Coordinator of the NCC, Mrs. Nkechi Ezinma, who came to pay him a courtesy Visit. According to Magu, piracy is an economic crime and the EFCC would be willing to support any agency empowered by law to fight it.
“Section 46 of the EFCC’s Establishment Act stipulates what constitutes economic crimes. Theft of intellectual property and piracy is listed in the Act. We are ready to support and partner with you. There is the supply, distribution and consumption sides of piracy. Any case that emanates from any of the sides will be dealt with,” he said.
Magu expressed delight that the NCC was involved in the prosecution of pirates of intellectual properties, noting that such statutory responsibility would considerably protect copyright owners and enhance the development of intellectual property in Nigeria.
“I’m pleased to know that your Commission is a prosecuting agency. Operationally, the EFCC would always come to your aid. If you are carrying out a sting operation in any of your locations, we will be ready to partner with you,” he assured.
In response, Ezinma appreciated the EFCC’s hand of fellowship and promised to carry the Commission along in its activities, henceforth.
She decried the damaging effects of piracy on the nation’s economy and expressed happiness with the promise of assistance from the EFCC to her Commission.
“Piracy is taking the economy down. While pirates are smiling to the banks everyday, copyright owners are wallowing in poverty. This should not continue. I’m pleased that the EFCC is willing to partner with us. Your support will assist us in tackling copyright infringements”, she said.
Ezinma was accompanied on the visit by NCC’s heads of Administration and Enforcement.