The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has begun presenting evidence against Netnaija Media Enterprises and its representative, Emmanuel Analike, over alleged online piracy involving 1,458 music and audiovisual works.
The prosecution, filed at the Federal High Court on March 2, 2025, involves four counts of alleged offences under the Copyright Act 2022, including unauthorised reproduction and distribution of copyrighted materials.
The commission’s case followed complaints by Nigerian and foreign copyright owners over the activities of the Netnaija website, leading to an investigation and the subsequent arrest of the defendant.
At the latest proceedings, the NCC called its first witness, an investigating officer, to give evidence in support of the prosecution.
The trial continued after the court declined to hear a preliminary objection filed by the defence on October 9, ruling that the application was not ripe for hearing and directing the commission to proceed with its case.
The allegations relate to activities said to have occurred between 2023 and July 2025. The prosecution is seeking to establish whether the defendants reproduced, possessed or made copyrighted works available online without the necessary authorisation, as well as whether equipment was possessed for reproducing the materials.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
The case highlights continuing efforts to tackle digital piracy, which can deprive musicians, filmmakers, producers and other rights holders of revenue from their creative works.
The NCC has pursued enforcement actions against online platforms accused of distributing copyrighted content without permission. In July 2025, the commission, working with the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, secured the suspension of MovieBox.ng over alleged piracy involving films, music and live sports.
The Netnaija case has been adjourned until November 23, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
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