Task Force Seizes Pirated Films, Machines
The special task force set up by the Nigeria Film And Video Censors Board NFVCB has hit a big target.
The task force comprising of movie makers and the Nigeria Police force got wind of a particular gang of pirates operating in Alaba and succeeded in arresting three of them on Monday confiscating their goods.
According to a member of the task force, Norbert Ajaegbu, the confiscated films and replicating machines estimated to be worth over fifty million naira has been moved from Alaba to Area E Police Station.
Mr Ajaegbu noted that the market union who are aware of the activities tried frustrating their efforts to help their members evade arrest by raising a sizeable amount of money to bribe the police.
Speaking on Monday afternoon as the multi millionaire pirates were being rounded up, Mr Ajaegbu said, “We have just arrested a gang of pirates and seized their goods worth over fifty million naira. Our efforts was almost frustrated as they delayed the process. It was delayed because the market union tried raising money to bribe and frustrate the process. But we are adamant. I urge journalists and film- makers to head to area E and give sufficient publicity necessary to send signals to pirates. As I speak, there is still contributions ongoing at Alaba”.
The name of the three suspects arrested are Ndu Celestine, Okechukwu Ikuagwu and Austine Ugokwe. The pirates, who have fed fat from the sweat of movie makers have met their waterloo as one of them was said to be the owner of Owen Hospital in Iba area of Lagos.
Last week in Abuja, cartons of movies which include, ‘Ayamma’, ‘Wedding party’, ‘3-wise Men’, ’30-Days In Atlanta’, ‘Trip To Jamaica’, ‘Lekki Wives’, ‘Wives On Strike’, ‘Jennifer’s Diary’ and ‘Fifty’ were seized by a vendor, though he escaped.
The Alhaji Adedayo Thomas led NFVCB has shown that it is not business as usual as it has gone into action declaring war on pirates all over cities in Nigeria.
The National Special Task Force, inaugurated more than two months ago, is chaired by the NFVCB ED himself and headed by veteran filmmaker, Patron/Advisor to the Board, Chief Eddie Ugboma.
Others are Head of Lagos State Film Censors Board, Mr. Dele Balogun; notable marketer, Igwe Gab Okoye, a.k.a Gabosky; and notable northern Nigerian filmmakers, Hajia Aisha Alilu, Mallam Malik Awah, actor Saint Obi, film marketers, Norbert Ajaegbu and Olatunji Ojetola, to work closely with members of the Police, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
