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FilmOne Entertainment has taken a firm stance against copyright infringement following the illegal distribution of its comedy film Owambe Thieves on TikTok.
The unauthorized sharing was carried out by an account operating under the alias “Naijaprey TV,” which reportedly sold access to a full high-resolution pirated copy of the movie, complete with a watermark, for financial gain.
Upon discovering the infringement, FilmOne promptly filed a petition with relevant government and law-enforcement authorities.
This led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Roqeeb Ayobami Musibau, who will reportedly face the full consequences of Nigerian copyright law.
The company emphasized that piracy poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s creative economy, undermining legitimate investment, depriving talent of fair compensation, and jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of Nollywood’s growth.
In a statement, FilmOne reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward copyright infringement, urging the public to avoid pirated content, whether through social media platforms or physical copies.
The company encouraged audiences to use legal channels, which not only provide better viewing experiences but also support the livelihoods of filmmakers and content creators.
“Any form of unauthorized reproduction or use of creative work remains an offence under the Nigerian Copyright Act,” FilmOne stressed.
The enforcement action against Owambe Thieves comes amid broader industry efforts to combat piracy, especially in the digital space. In 2025, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) partnered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to launch a project aimed at curbing online piracy across Africa, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and closing technical loopholes.
Industry players are also adopting independent measures. For instance, The Nile Group partnered with DigiGuardians to deploy technology-driven monitoring and takedowns of illegal content.
Collaborative efforts between customs officials and law enforcement agencies are further aimed at intercepting pirated content and dismantling illegal networks. These initiatives reflect a shift toward a more coordinated anti-piracy framework in Nollywood.
FilmOne’s actions carry broader significance for the industry. Firstly, visible enforcement serves as a deterrent for potential infringers, signaling that piracy is no longer a low-risk activity. Secondly, it safeguards investments, ensuring producers, actors, and investors receive returns from legitimate box-office and streaming revenues.
Thirdly, it promotes legal consumption habits among audiences, helping to cultivate respect for intellectual property.
The move also strengthens institutional capacity by encouraging cooperation between private film companies and law enforcement authorities.
Such collaboration is vital to enforcing anti-piracy regulations effectively. Moreover, by protecting intellectual property, Nollywood enhances its appeal to international partners and distributors, positioning itself as a competitive and sustainable creative industry on the global stage.
Piracy has long plagued Nollywood, but FilmOne’s swift response in the Owambe Thieves case reflects a new level of seriousness.
Combined with ongoing national and international initiatives, the company’s actions signal a turning point for the industry, emphasizing the need to protect creative output, ensure fair compensation for talent, and maintain sustainable growth for one of Africa’s most influential cultural sectors.
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