Netnaija CEO remanded in prison over alleged copyright violation

The Chief Executive Officer of NetNaija Media Enterprises, Emmanuel Analike, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on alleged copyright infringement.

Analike was arraigned by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on counts including possession of infringing copies of works, making infringing copies, distribution of infringing works and making such copies available to others.

Justice Suleiman Liman ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application fixed for March 9.

The court adjourned the ruling after defence counsel, Nnemeka Ejiofor, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on Monday, supported by a 23-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

The trial judge declined to deliver a bench ruling and instead adjourned the matter for a formal decision on the bail application.

Earlier, prosecuting counsel and Head of Legal at the NCC, Gladys Isaac-Ojo, told the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that the defendant’s alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Section 44(1)(a) of the Copyright Act, 2022.

Analike pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Isaac-Ojo said the defendant was arrested over allegations of online piracy involving sound recordings and audiovisual works, including movies belonging to both local and international authors.

She described the arraignment as a significant step for the Commission, noting that while the trial has not commenced, securing the defendant’s appearance in court marked a milestone in the fight against online copyright infringement.

The prosecutor added that the defendant exercised his right under the law to apply for bail and that the court would determine whether to grant it.

She further stated that both the individual and the company were charged because the alleged acts were carried out through the platform, NetNaija, described as an online movie and music download site.

The matter is expected to resume on March 9 for ruling on the bail application before the commencement of trial.

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