The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned ruling on the bail application of Mr. Emmanuel Analike, a suspected online pirate arraigned by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) over allegations of large-scale infringement of musical and audiovisual works belonging to both local and foreign right holders.
At its sitting on 4 March 2026, the Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Suleiman Liman, fixed 9 March 2026 for ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of the application.
According to a press release signed by Ijeoma Egbunike, Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, the order followed submissions by defence counsel, Mr. Nnaemeka Ejiofor, who informed the Court that a formal bail application had been filed.
Mr. Analike, alongside Netnaija Media Enterprises, is standing trial in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/422/25 filed by the Commission on 2 March 2025. The charges allege unauthorized reproduction and dissemination of audiovisual works.
The four-count charge accuses the defendant of producing 1,458 infringing copies of audiovisual works for trade or business without authorization, contrary to Section 44(1)(a) of the Copyright Act, 2022. He is also alleged to have possessed the same number of infringing copies for non-domestic use, communicated the works to the public without consent, and owned equipment for producing infringing copies, all offences under various provisions of the Act.
The alleged acts of piracy were said to have been carried out between 2023 and July 2025, when the defendant was arrested following investigations triggered by repeated complaints from copyright owners about the Netnaija website. The site has since been shut down.
Speaking after the proceedings, Ms. Gladys Isaac-Ojo, Head of NCC’s Legal Department, explained that the defendant was apprehended after thorough investigations into unauthorized distribution of sound recordings and audiovisual works. She noted that although the suspect was arrested in 2025, arraignment was delayed due to court vacation.
On 2 March 2026, the defendant was formally arraigned and pleaded not guilty. The Court then ordered his remand pending the bail ruling.
Commenting on the development, NCC Director-General Dr. John Asein described the case as a significant step in the Commission’s campaign against online piracy. He stressed that piracy undermines Nigeria’s creative economy and the legitimate interests of creators and investors.
“Nigeria’s copyright system operates within a global framework of protection and reciprocity. The Commission will continue to take firm action to protect both Nigerian and foreign right holders whose works are exploited within our jurisdiction,” Dr. Asein said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to diligently prosecute the case and intensify enforcement against piracy networks both offline and online.
By Palma Ileye, Abuja
