Copyright Commission docks Aremu Olawale for pirating Lasswell published work on NECO
By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has arraigned a middle aged man, Aremu Olawale of Number 10, Fagbeyin Street, Shomolu, Largos for alleged infringement of copyright of the literary works of a company, Lasswell Entreprises.
According to the two counts charge filed by the Commission’s counsel, Ekechukwu Chioma, the defendant was alleged to have on or about the 18th day of February, 2022 within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, Lagos did make for the purposes of trade or business, 40 infringing copies of Lasswell Evergreen Solutions Basic Education Certificate Examination NECO (2017-2021) Editions in which copyright subsist in favour of Lasswell Entreprises.
According to the prosecutor, the offences committed by the defendant is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 20 ( 1) (a) of the Copyright Act CAP C28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Aremu Olawale was also alleged to have on about the 18th day of February 2022 within Lagos judicial division, did have in his possession other than for private use, 40 infringed copies of Lasswell Evergreen Solutions Basic Education Certificate Examination NECO ( 2017-2021) in which copyright subsist in Lasswell Entreprises.
The offence allegedly committed by the defendant is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (2) (c) of the Copyright Act CAP C28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
At the resumed trial of the defendant on Thursday, the prosecution witness, Primus Omogbai, a staff of the Commission, while being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Elechukwu Chioma, told Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos that sometimes in February 2022, his office received a petition from Lasswell Entreprises, complaining that some people are pirating thier literary works somewhere around Shomolu area of Lagos State.
Omogbai said he was drafted by the agency and led a team to Number 10, Fagbeyin Street, Shomolu, Lagos the business premises of the defendant where copies of pirated works were confiscated and the defendant arrested .
The witness added that his team also obtained the statement of the defendant after cautioning him and later invited the petitioner who made statement to the effect that it did not authorize the defendant to publish its work.
Omogbai told the court that few weeks later, the defendant turn up with a sworn affidavit to be of good behavior and never to indulge in any criminal activity.
Meanwhile, Justice Ayokunle Faji has adjourned further hearing of the matter till September 24 and October 4th and 5th.