Police arraign five for ‘pirating’ Nollywood films

The Police, on Thursday, arraigned five men at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly pirating some Nollywood movies.

The pirated works include Jennifer’s Diary, Lord of War, The Village War, My kids and I, What I want, Osinachi my wife, among others.

They were arrested by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) at the Alaba International Market in Lagos during a sting operation.

The defendants are David Chukwudi, Austin Igboukwu, Ugochukwu Ukwuagu, Uchechukwu Chukwuma and Ndu Celestine.

They were charged with 11 counts bordering on copyright infringement and use of premises to promote piracy.

Igboukwu and Ukwuagwu were charged with 13 counts of copyright infringement.

In the first charge, prosecuting counsel Mr K.J Oluwole from the Police Force Headquarters, alleged that Chukwudi committed the offence on August 14 at the Alaba International Market.

He was alleged to have forged packets of uncensored the Nollywood films for illegal distribution.

Chukwudi was also said to have engaged in the unauthorised recording of the works, as well as utilising his business premises for copyright infringement.

He pleaded not guilty.

Justice Muslim Hassan ordered his remand in prison custody and adjourned until December 8 for hearing of his bail application as well as commencement of trial.

Igboukwu and Ukwuagwu were charged with 13 counts bordering on similar offence allegedly committed on August 12 at a shop in Alaba International market. They also pleaded not guilty.

They allegedly packed Proposal of Arms, Sword of Justice, Brave Medium, Wedding party, The king’s wealth, a trip to Jamaica, among others, for distribution without authorisation.

The prosecution said they allegedly packaged the works said to be worth millions of naira, for illegal exhibition and distribution.

The alleged offence contravenes Section 58 of the Nigeria Films and Video Censor Board Act, 2004, as well as Section 20 of the Copyright Act, Cap 28, Laws of The Federation, 2004.

Justice Hassan also adjourned until December 8 for trial and hearing of the bail application.

The defendants are to be remanded in prison custody until their bail application is determined, the judge ruled.

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