Following the raid of the Alaba international market in october, 2017, the National Film and Video Censors Board on the 30th of November charged the arrested suspects to court.

The 5 suspects Uchechukwu Chukwuma, Austine Ugokwe, Ugochukwu Ikwagwu, Chukwuka David and Ndu Celestine who were arrested at the Alaba international market were arraigned at the Federal High court Ikoyi, Lagos on the 30th November, 2017.

The suspects who were arrested on the grounds of dealing on unclassified and uncensored films and video works in an unlicensed premises, packaging , exhibiting and distributing of unclassified, unlicensed,unapproved films and video works, appeared in court for breaching the National Film and Video Censors Board laws. The Board is empowered by law to also classify all films and video works whether imported or produced locally and to license persons and premises for exhibition of film and video works.

After the Hearings, the case was adjourned to January 25th 2018.

Addressing journalists at the court, the Executive Director of the Board, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, said that he is very impressed and commends the judiciary.

“I am happy, I commend the judiciary and the Nigerian Police, especially the IG, DIG OPs they have been very supportive and providing us with a legal team headed by assistant commissioner of police all the way from Abuja, it’s been wonderful.”

“I am impressed and hope more success will be achieved.”

“After today, we keep on raiding.”

“We will not stop, it is not over until it’s over. We are saying no to uncensored works and unclassified movies even music itself and foreign films that has not passed through the National Film and Video Censors Board will taste what others are tasting now.”

The five pirate kingpins.