Netnaija CEO Remanded in Kuje Over Copyright Case

The Chief Executive Officer of Netnaija Media Enterprises, Emmanuel Analike, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged copyright infringement.

Analike was arraigned by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on multiple counts bordering on possession, reproduction, and distribution of copyrighted works through the Netnaija platform without proper authorisation.

The defendant appeared before Justice Suleiman Liman, who ordered that he be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.

According to the prosecution, the charges relate to alleged online piracy involving audiovisual materials and sound recordings, including movies distributed through the website for public download.

Analike, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. His counsel, Nnemeka Ejiofor, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and supported with a 23-paragraph affidavit.

Justice Liman subsequently adjourned the matter to March 9 for ruling on the bail application.

Netnaija, an online entertainment platform widely used for downloading movies, music and videos, has for years attracted millions of users across Nigeria and beyond.

The case is regarded as one of the most high-profile enforcement actions by the Nigerian Copyright Commission against alleged digital piracy in the country.