10th August, 2012
The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board has destroyed over N20million worth of pirated films seized from film sellers across the state.
The pirated films were siezed between January and July this year by a joint task force comprising officials of the Lagos Films Censors Board, Kick Against Indiscpline (KAI) and Movie Producers Association.
Over 30 sellers of the pirated films were arrested, arraigned before the court and convicted.
Some of them were given option of fine while others are currently serving prison terms.
Speaking on the seizure of the pirated films, the Executive Secretary, Lagos Films and Video Censors Board, Mr. Dapo Awobutu said the arrest and prosecution of film pirates and sellers in Lagos State is gradually yielding positive result as the volume of pirated films in the state has reduced.
He noted that the raid, arrest and prosecution of film pirates and sellers in the state will continue until those who engage in the act are out of business.
“We will continue to arrest and prosecute film pirates in the state because what they are doing is morally wrong and illegal. They cheapen people’s intellectual works and profit from it while the owners of the films get nothing. This is wrong and we will continue to do everything possible to checkmate it,” he said.
He advised those who are still producing and selling pirated films in the state to find other businesses to do as the board in no distant time will apprehend them.
Speaking on the activities of the films and Video Censors Board in the last six months, Legal Adviser to the Board, Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja said the board has arrested and prosecuted over 50 movie pirates in the state.
She said most of the pirates were arrested in Mushin, Iyana-Ipaja, Oshodi, Ojuelegba, Ikeja and Ajegunle.
“These CDs were are burning today is worth over N20 million. This is the result of our efforts in the last six months. We will continue to do this for as long film piracy continues in the state,” she said.
—Henry Ojelu