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The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos has apprehended a syndicate allegedly responsible for widespread movie piracy, copyright violations, and related cybercrimes targeting Nigeria’s creative sector.
FCID spokesperson Aminat Mayegun confirmed the development during a media briefing on Wednesday, explaining that the operation stemmed from a formal complaint filed by FilmOne Entertainment Ltd.
The company reported that its recently released movie, Owambe Thieves, had been illicitly shared on TikTok on August 23.
According to Mayegun, the main suspect not only uploaded the film illegally but also monetized the act by charging viewers N1,000 to access a pirated full-length version. “The company reported that its film ‘Owambe Thieves’ had been unlawfully uploaded on TikTok on Aug. 23,” she stated.
She added that the suspect “allegedly charged viewers N1,000 for access to a pirated copy of the full movie,” noting that FilmOne backed its petition with screenshots, payment evidence, and documents validating its ownership.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to editing selected scenes to boost TikTok engagement before sharing the full pirated film via WhatsApp for a fee. He also admitted to distributing copies to more than 50 people and to being involved in pirating other Nollywood titles, including Farmer’s Bride, Thinline, and Alakada: Bad and Boujee.
Mayegun revealed that investigators found significant incriminating material on two seized devices belonging to the suspect. “A forensic analysis of two seized devices, an iPhone 15 Pro and an iPhone SE, uncovered extensive evidence,” she said, noting that the phones contained numerous pirated movie files and contact lists of recipients on WhatsApp and Telegram.
The FCID says further investigations are ongoing as the crackdown on digital piracy continues.
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