Lagos Prosecutes 36 for Selling Pirated, Uncensored Films

The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board says at least 36 people were arrested in the last one year for selling pirated and uncensored films in Lagos State.

Executive Secretary, of the Lagos State Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun made the revelation while speaking with our correspondent in Lagos. He said those affected were picked up during a raid carried out by the board in conjunction with the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences in Agege, Alaba, Oshodi, Iyana Ipaja, Ijesha tedo, and Ladipo markets. He said the pirated items were confiscated while the culprits were prosecuted.

He described the board as regulatory body established to regulate and control cinematographic works; censor and categorise cinematograph works including posters, license premises and bodies involved in production including distribution and marketing of films and video as well as control and regulate the production of films in order to prevent the production of undesirable or dangerous acts against public order and decency.

He said the board held meetings with relevant stakeholders to create awareness, gather necessary data and brainstorm on the way forward for the industry.
“The board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its counterpart Agency at the Federal level to streamline activities, while ensuring harmony of purpose, so as to avoid duplication of taxes.

Advertisement

“We have constituted a special Task Force on piracy in conjunction with stakeholders and enforcement exercises were carried out in various locations such as Alaba, Oshodi, Iyana Ipaja, Ijeshatedo, and Ladipo markets, where arrests were made, offenders prosecuted and pirated materials confiscated.

“We have also in the past one year participated in film festivals including those held in Cannes France and the Abuja Film Festival, FCT Abuja”, he said.