The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has seized pirated materials worth N150 million at Alaba International Market in Lagos and arrested five suspects.
Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Director-General (DG)of the board disclosed in Lagos on Thursday that the seizure was made between May and October.
He said that the pirated materials seized include CDs, Videos CDs and literary works.
He said that the seizure followed the information the board gathered from some people at the market regarded as the hub for piracy.
“We have our informants that spy the market on a regular basis, once they notice any form of piracy operations going on there, they inform the board.
“The seizure of the N150 million worth of materials is a result of the information giving to the board on the mass productions of some films that are yet to be made public.
“When our anti-piracy squad assisted by some police men got to the market, we saw pirated copies of films yet to be produced littering the whole environment and were being sold it at cheaper prices.
“By Nov. 30, the board will start the court proceedings of those arrested for piracy,’’ he said.
Thomas likened piracy to a murder, robbery or economic sabotage where the suspect wanted to reap where he or she did not sow.
He said that the legitimate owners were usually subjected to huge debts and loss.
Thomas said that the board was also looking at reviewing some of its policies and laws to suit contemporary situations.
He advised Nigerians not to buy pirated materials on the streets or from any unlicensed people selling such works.
The DG said that the industry was worth billions of naira, and urged government and stakeholders to utilise the opportunity in the sector judiciously.
“The industry is generating billions but losing more to piracy.
“Actors, actresses, producers, marketers and other stakeholders are not happy with the loss to piracy.
“The board is doing all it can to sanitise the industry for producers, film makers and other relevant stakeholders to enjoy the fruits of their labour,’’ he