The Lagos State Police Command has taken legal action against six suspects accused of engaging in piracy activities related to the recently released movie ‘Malaika,’ produced by popular actress Toyin Abraham.
‘Malaika’ premiered in Lagos on December 17, 2023, followed by its theatrical debut on December 22, 2023. The police attorneys from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) at Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, presented the accused individuals—Adekunle Segun, Kehinde Oseni, Adebiyi Sodiq, Oseni S. Akano, Adebiyi Suliat, and Agboola Motunrayo—before Chief Magistrate E. Ogunkanmi at the Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The charges against the defendants include conspiracy, theft of intellectual property, piracy, and cyber-related crimes. According to the prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, the alleged illegal act took place in January 2024 at Apapa, violating sections 411, 972, 415, and 87 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
During the court proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Animashaun requested the court to remand them in the correctional centre until the resolution of the case.
Toyin Abraham recently revealed the emotional toll the piracy of her new movie took on her, sharing that she experienced panic attacks and was hospitalized upon learning about the unauthorized distribution of ‘Malaika.’