This study investigated the nexus between copyright offences and criminal proceeds in Nigeria. It focused on the expanding role of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) as a designated Relevant Organisation (RO) under the Proceeds of Crime (Designation of Nigerian Copyright Commission as a Relevant Organisation) Order, 2025. The Order is made pursuant to section 81 of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 (POCA). The study highlighted the growing prevalence of copyright infringements. The highlight includes their significant economic implications, particularly in the digital era where such offences can presumably be linked to organised crime and money laundering. The objective was to examine how NCC’s powers have evolved from traditional civil enforcement to include criminal prosecution and asset recovery within Nigeria’s broader anti-money laundering framework. The research found that copyright offences, while not explicitly listed as predicate offences under anti-money laundering laws, are effectively treated as such due to their association with illicit financial gains. It further found that the designation of NCC under POCA is to enhance enforcement capabilities. This will empower NCC to conduct asset tracing, seizure, and management connected to copyright violations. The study recommended strengthening institutional collaboration between NCC and financial intelligence agencies, improving legal frameworks to explicitly include copyright offences as predicate crimes, and enhancing capacity-building for effective enforcement. In conclusion, NCC’s integrated enforcement role is pivotal in disrupting the economic benefits of copyright crime and advancing Nigeria’s fight against organised economic offences.
Keywords: Nigerian copyright commission (NCC), asset recovery, copyright offences, intellectual property, piracy, proceeds of crime
