The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has begun presenting evidence against Netnaija Media Enterprises and its representative, Emmanuel Analike, over alleged online copyright infringement involving 1,458 copies of music and audiovisual works belonging to Nigerian and foreign rights holders.
The prosecution, instituted at the Federal High Court on March 2, 2025, centres on four counts of alleged offences under the Copyright Act 2022, including the production and possession of allegedly infringing copies, unauthorised online distribution of copyrighted works and possession of equipment allegedly intended for reproducing such materials.

The case, with Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/422/25, follows complaints from local and international copyright owners over the activities of the Netnaija website, which prompted an investigation by the commission and the subsequent arrest of the defendant.
At the proceedings, the NCC called its first witness, the investigating officer, who began giving evidence in support of the prosecution’s case.
The trial proceeded after the court declined to hear a preliminary objection filed by the defendant’s counsel on October 9, ruling that the application was not ripe for hearing and directing the commission to continue presenting its case.
The allegations cover activities said to have occurred between 2023 and July 2025. The prosecution is seeking to establish whether the defendants unlawfully reproduced, possessed, or made copyrighted works available to the public without the requisite authorisation.

The case brings renewed attention to the economic implications of digital piracy for Nigeria’s creative industry, where unauthorised distribution of music and audiovisual content can undermine legitimate revenue streams for artists, producers, distributors and other rights holders.
For the commission, the prosecution forms part of its enforcement efforts to combat online piracy and strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights. The outcome could also underscore the legal obligations of digital platforms and content distributors operating in Nigeria.

The matter has been adjourned until November 23, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission has targeted digital piracy by shutting down illegal streaming platforms and prosecuting operators under the Copyright Act of 2022.
In July 2025, the NCC (working with the Nigeria Internet Registration Association or NiRA) secured the suspension of MovieBox.ng, a prominent website illegally streaming pirated movies, music, and live sports.