A businessman, Kaosisochukwu Arinze, 33, facing trial before the Federal High Court in Ibadan over alleged copyright infringement has opted to settle out of court.

Arinze and John Emerea, 34, are being prosecuted by the Nigeria Police before Justice Uche Agomoh over alleged sale and offering for sale counterfeit Coleman electric cables.

The defendants, who were arrested on Jan. 14, at Oke-Ado Sabo area/Isaleora, Ogbomoso, had at their arraignment each pleaded not guilty to the charge of copyright infringement.

However, at the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, Mr K.O. Ajisafe, Counsel to Arinze told the court that his client was opting for out of court settlement with the complainant, Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Ltd.

Ajisafe said that the processes of settlement had already begun and prayed the court for a long adjournment that could enable a fruitful discussion.

“My lord, Arinze is a businessman residing in Ogbomoso and as a result of the present insecurity in the society, he is constrained to move every now and then,” the defence counsel said.

Consequently, Justice Agomoh adjourned the suit until Sept. 30 for report of terms of settlement or continuation of hearing. Arinze and Emerea both businessmen were arraigned on a-count charge bordering on alleged copyright infringement.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Justus Aladeniyi, said that the defendants were caught allegedly selling counterfeit Coleman cables without the consent or license of the complainant.

He stated that the offence contravened the provision of  Section 44 (2) (C ) and (D) of the Copyright Infringement Act 2022.

(NAN)

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