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NCC destroys N26.3m illegal broadcast equipment in Enugu

By on July 2, 2014

The Nigerian Copyright Commission has destroyed illegal broadcast equipment valued at N26.3m during an anti-piracy operation in Enugu.

Most of the items destroyed, including cable wires and boosters, were used for illegal distribution of DSTV contents and signals.

Our correspondent learnt that unauthorised distribution of DSTV content had escalated in Enugu since the commencement of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The NCC Zonal Manager, South East, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, who addressed journalists on Monday in Enugu, said the anti-piracy operation was carried out by two teams of copyright inspectors and armed policemen.

Okeke, however, explained that no arrests were made during the operation, as the NCC had decided to focus on confiscation and destruction of illegal broadcast equipment, rather than the prosecution of those involved in piracy.

She said delays encountered in the prosecution of numerous pending piracy-related cases initiated by the NCC made the Commission de-emphasise taking the culprits to court.

“There were no arrests – we went specifically to cut cables and confiscate boosters.

“Because arrest and prosecution have not been an adequate deterrent to offenders, the NCC has decided to cut wires and destroy illegal distribution equipment,” she said.

Okeke described the operation, which was carried out in the major parts of Enugu such as Garki, Top-land, Achara Layout, Agbani Road, Uwani, New Haven and Independence Layout, as “one of the most successful.”

She urged members of the public to cooperate with the NCC in the campaign against piracy.

 

[Punch]