From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has opened its case against Netnaija Media Enterprises and its representative, Mr Emmanuel Analike, over alleged online copyright infringement involving the unauthorised reproduction and distribution of music and audiovisual works belonging to local and foreign rights holders.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja on 12 October 2026, the commission called its first witness, the investigating officer, who began his testimony in support of the prosecution’s case.
The proceedings followed arguments on a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed on 9 October 2026 by the defendants’ counsel. The court ruled that the objection was not ripe for hearing and directed the commission to proceed with its case. The trial was adjourned to 23 November 2026 for continuation.
The four-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/422/25, was filed by Ms Gladys Isaac-Ojo under the Copyright Act 2022. It alleges the production and possession of 1,458 infringing copies of music and audiovisual works, the unauthorised online communication of those works to the public, and the possession of equipment intended for making infringing copies.
The offences allegedly occurred between 2023 and July 2025 and are said to be contrary to, and punishable under, Section 44(1)(a) of the Copyright Act 2022.
In a statement, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Ms Ijeoma Egbunike, said the commission began investigations after repeated complaints from local and international copyright owners about the Netnaija website, which led to the defendant’s arrest.
She added that the case is one of the commission’s significant ongoing enforcement matters and reflects its commitment to combating online piracy, protecting the rights of copyright owners and ensuring that suspected offences are dealt with through due process.
The commission was represented in court by the Head of its Legal Department, Ms Gladys Isaac-Ojo, who led the prosecution, and its Chief Copyright Officer, Legal, Mrs Joy Ogbonna.