The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, has busted a cyber-piracy syndicate distributing pirated Nollywood films, including Eniola Ajao’s Owambe Thieves, Mercy Aigbe’s ThinLine and Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad and Bourjee.
The operation followed a petition by FilmOne Entertainment Limited, which reported the unlawful upload of Owambe Thieves on TikTok on August 23. The suspect demanded N1,000 from viewers seeking access to a pirated copy of the full movie. The complaint included screenshots, transaction records and copyright documents.
FilmOne confirmed the arrest of Roqeeb Musibau, who posted parts of Owambe Thieves on TikTok under the handle “Naijaprey TV” and sold a pirated high-resolution version.
The suspect confessed to sourcing the films from illegal websites, uploading clips on TikTok for engagement and distributing full copies via WhatsApp for N1,000. He admitted selling pirated copies to over 50 people and confirmed involvement in piracy of other Nollywood titles such as Farmers Bride, ThinLine and Alakada Bad and Bourjee.
A forensic sweep of two devices, a seized iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE, uncovered extensive evidence of copyright violations, including buyer lists and multiple pirated films. Financial analysis showed over N7.6 million in bank transactions between August 20 and October 29, consistent with proceeds from cyber-enabled piracy.
ASP Mayegun Aminat, FCID’s Public Relations Officer, said the department would continue to clamp down on piracy and other cyber-enabled crimes, warning that anyone involved in illegal distribution of Nollywood films or contraband items would be tracked and prosecuted.
