This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
Published on June 9, 2020, a man suspected of illegally circulating digital copies of the Nation newspapers will remain in police custody for five more days.
Senior Resident Magistrate David Muema Ndungi directed John Oganga Muyai to be held at the Kilimani police station for the said period to allow police finalise investigations of allegations levelled against him on infringement of copyright.
Police constable Daniel Githiari said, “The Directorate of Criminal Investigations Nairobi Regional headquarters requires more time to subject the suspect’s mobile phone, laptop and desktop found in his possession to forensic examination before he can be formally charged.”
The court heard that Mr Muyai is being investigated for infringement of copyright works through the circulation of PDF formats of the Daily Nation and Business Daily newspapers.
According to the court, the suspect was arrested after evading the police on several occasions and is considered a flight risk due to the unknown location of his residence.
It was further stated in court that it would be fair and just to detain the suspect since he has been committing the offence together with his accomplices by offering the e-paper for sale to third parties without the permission of Nation Media Group.
The suspect is accused of circulating e-papers of the Daily Nation and Business Daily newspapers on April 24.
He is set to be charged with the offence of illegal distribution and offering for sale copyrighted works as well as circumventing technological protection measures.
Should he be found guilty, Mr Muyai will have to part with either a fine not exceeding Sh 400,000 or an imprisonment term of not more than two years or both.
The matter will come up in court on June 16.
