NetNaija CEO Held in Kuje Custody Over Alleged Copyright Offences

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the Chief Executive Officer of NetNaija Media Enterprises, Emmanuel Analike, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged copyright infringement.

Justice Suleiman Liman issued the order after the defendant’s counsel, Nnemeka Ejiofor, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed for his client.

According to the defence lawyer, the bail request was submitted earlier in the week and supported by a 23-paragraph affidavit alongside a written address.

Ejiofor proceeded to move the application before the court, noting that it was filed within 48 hours of the defendant’s arraignment.

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However, the judge declined to deliver an immediate ruling and adjourned the case for a decision on the bail request. Pending the ruling, the court directed that the defendant remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Gladys Isaac-Ojo, who heads the legal unit of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment.

The prosecution alleged that Analike committed offences contrary to Section 44(1)(a) of the Copyright Act, 2022. The case relates to the alleged unlawful distribution of copyrighted digital content through an online platform.

When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The four-count charge includes allegations of possessing infringing copies of copyrighted materials, making unauthorised reproductions, distributing those materials, and making them available to members of the public.

Prosecutors said the alleged offences involve copyrighted audiovisual works and sound recordings, including movies belonging to both Nigerian and international rights holders.

Following the court session, the prosecution described the arraignment as a significant development in ongoing efforts to combat digital piracy in the country.

The investigation that led to the arrest reportedly focused on alleged online distribution of movies and music without the authorisation of copyright owners.

The prosecution also noted that the defendant’s legal team was within its rights to seek bail, adding that the court would determine the request.