In a shocking revelation, renowned Nollywood actress and producer, Toyin Abraham, opened up about her distressing experience after discovering that her recent blockbuster, “Malaika,” had fallen victim to piracy.
The actress disclosed that the piracy ordeal led to severe panic attacks, resulting in multiple hospitalizations.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos, Toyin Abraham expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the Nigeria Police Force, which resulted in the apprehension of five individuals connected to the piracy.
The acclaimed producer commended AIG IG Idowu Owohunwa for his prompt response to the situation.
Revealing that the production cost of “Malaika” amounted to a staggering N500 million, Toyin Abraham announced her commitment to the fight against piracy, vowing to protect the creative industry from such illicit activities.
According to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, two women have been detained in connection with the piracy of “Malaika.”
The suspects, accused of conspiracy, intellectual property infringement, piracy, and cybercrimes related to the unauthorised use of cyberspace for the movie’s distribution, were presented to reporters at the FCID headquarters.
In a statement, FCID spokesperson ASP Aminat Mayegun explained, “Following the receipt of the petition, a joint investigation involving the Special Investigation Units of the Anti-Fraud and Cybercrime Sections of the Department was launched, while the unique intelligence and cybercrime assets of the Force were optimally deployed.”
The arrest of the alleged pirates marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against intellectual property theft in the Nigerian film industry.