19th October, 2012
The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again impounded three 20-foot containers with pirated books comprising various types of text books.
The containers, according to the command, were intercepted during physical examination of various containers, which came through the command.
The impound containers have mark number, MRKU 8366432, MSKU 8341505 and MAEU 6719940, and were shipped into the country from China.
Briefing newsmen on the seizure recently, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of PTML, Jibril Zakari said that the containers, were falsely declared to contain Bibles and other Christian publications, but discovered to contain educational books, such as: Mastering English and Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary among others.
Zakari said that “the first container was declared to contain Christian books, but on physical examination, it was found to contain educational books on anatomy and physiology in health and others, the second container, declared its content as ‘Think and do reading book,’ was found on examination to contain 980 cartons of educational books like mastering English, Oxford advanced learners dictionary, oral and basic technology and others, while the last container, declared as holy Bible on examination was found to be carrying 250 cartons of holy Bible and 425 cartons of other books.”
He, however, said that three suspects have been arrested and are aiding the command in its investigation.
The Customs boss described the importers as saboteurs, who are in the habit of reproducing other peoples’ works without their consent, even as he reiterated that dubious importers will continue to have their goods impounded. “It is a shame that while authors read day and night to write books, some criminals wait by the side to pirate and earn cheap money from their efforts,” he said.
Taking over the seized containers, Deputy Director, Zonal Manager of the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), Chris Nwocha, expressed appreciation to the NCS in its efforts towards checkmating the nefarious activities of pirates.
He said that the NCC will investigate the matter, while the suspects will be prosecuted accordingly.
—Esthers Komolafe