The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned skit, movie producers to henceforth desist from unauthorised use of its jackets, insignia and symbol in content production, as violators of the notice would face severe consequences.
In a statement signed and released by the Commissions’ Head, Media and Publicity, Wilsom Uwujaren, the Commission places the notification of warning over the use of its corporate brand items without its permission on the activities of all stakeholders in the movie production industry and the informal producers, such as the skit makers.
The Commissions’ statement reads: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to the activities of content creators, movies and skit producers who use EFCC-branded Jackets, symbols, insignia and other accoutrements without authorization.
” The Commission wishes to notify the public that the use of the EFCC brand in movies without authorization is illegal. While the Commission appreciate the desire by some operators in the creative sector to produce movies/skits with plots around economic and financial crimes, it is incumbent on such operators to seek the Commission’s authorization, including vetting of scenes which purport to depict the operations of the Commission, to ensure that false or misleading messages are not passed to the public.”
By the statement, any unauthorized use of any of EFCC ‘s corporate brand materials would be treated as a crime.
The Commission has also expressed its willingness to assist producers in the movie industry who intend to shoot scenes related to the operations and activities of the EFCC to involve the Commission to make the particular scene real and professional.
The Commission said its involvement would help movies with the EFFC scenes in them conform to standards and meet professional expectations.
The Commission also stated that it’s Public Affairs Department is “adequately equipped to work with motion picture practitioners desirous of partnering with the Commission in using films and skits to educate the public, especially the youth on the dangers of economic and financial crimes.”
Henceforth anyone found acting contrary to the warning will be treated as “an impersonator and such person will be dealt with accordingly,” the commission reiterated.
