The Nigerian Copyright Commission has re arrested and arraigned three suspected book pirates in Owerri, Imo State, as part of its ongoing campaign against copyright theft.
The suspects, identified as Onyedikachi Anele, Ifeanyi Igbokwe and Chukwudi Nwogu, were first apprehended in 2024 over alleged large scale piracy of educational books but later jumped administrative bail. They were traced and re arrested following fresh intelligence on their activities in the state capital.
According to the Commission, the three men were accused of dealing in and distributing large quantities of pirated textbooks without the consent of the copyright owners. The materials reportedly included popular titles used in primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions.
The defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Owerri, presided over by Justice Wigwe Oreh Chituru Joy, on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy and copyright infringement. They pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
After the arraignment, the court ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centre in Owerri pending the hearing of their bail applications. The matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of proceedings.
Commenting on the case, the NCC restated its commitment to tackling book piracy, which it described as a serious threat to Nigeria’s education sector and the publishing industry. The Commission warned booksellers, printers and distributors to desist from trading in pirated works or face prosecution.
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