By Enyim Enyim

Onitsha—Persons who pirate books are to face the full wrath of the law, the National Copyright Commission declared yesterday in Awka.

The South East Zonal Manager of the Commission, Mr. Emeka Ogbonna stated this during an awareness campaign against the activities of those who indulge in piracy of books.

To effect the clampdown on defaulters, he said the lnspector General of Police has set up a police anti piracy department.

Police

Ogbonna said the NCC, Nigerian Publishers Association with the assistance of the police have declare total “war” against defaulters .

He urged members of the associations and the general public to come together and fight the ugly trend which he described as the canca worm eating deep into fabrics the society.

Deputy national president of the Nigerian Publishers Association, Mr. Jesse Odu stated that piracy kills the intellectual property and intellectual work in the society.

“Every system deals with intellectual property to grow and complete with other nations”.

Consequently, the management of schools and churches as well as book shop owners were warned against buying pirated works, advising them to always collect cash invoice from any dealer they purchased books from to avoid being arrested and prosecuted by the police.

“If you are buying books make sure you buy original ones from recognized companies and make sure you collect cash invoice from the dealer.

“Until we see the theft of intellectual property as we pay attention to fake drugs, child trafficking we will not actualize our dream of fighting piracy of works.