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The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has commenced the presentation of its case against Netnaija Media Enterprises and its representative, Mr. Emmanuel Analike, over alleged online copyright infringement involving the unauthorised distribution of music and audiovisual works.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Ijeoma Egbunike, on behalf of the Director-General.
The case, filed on March 2, 2025, at the Federal High Court under Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/422/25, involves four counts of alleged offences under the Copyright Act 2022.
The charges include the alleged production and possession of 1,458 infringing copies of music and audiovisual works, unauthorised communication of the works to the public online, and possession of equipment allegedly intended for producing infringing copies.
The Commission said its investigation followed repeated complaints from local and international copyright owners concerning activities on the Netnaija website. The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 2023 and July 2025.
At the court proceedings on October 12, 2026, the commission called its first witness, the investigating Officer, who began giving evidence in support of the prosecution’s case.
The proceedings followed arguments over a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the defendant’s counsel, Analike, on October 9, 2026. The court ruled that the objection was not ripe for hearing and directed the commission to proceed with its case.
The trial was subsequently adjourned until November 23, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
The NCC described the case as one of its significant ongoing enforcement matters, reaffirming its commitment to combating online piracy and protecting the rights of copyright owners through due process.
The Copyright Commission was represented by the Head of its Legal Department and prosecuting counsel, Ms Gladys Isaac-Ojo, and Chief Copyright Officer, Legal, Mrs. Joy Ogbonna.
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