FCID SMASHES MAJOR ONLINE PIRACY SYNDICATE AND UNCOVERS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA CYBER FRAUD | Blissful Affairs Online
The FCID Annex has successfully uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated syndicate involved in movie piracy, copyright infringement, conspiracy, and cyber-enabled offences targeting Nigeria’s creative industry.
This operation followed a petition by FilmOne Entertainment Limited, reporting the unlawful upload of their movie “Owambe Thieves” on TikTok on 23 August 2025. The suspect demanded ₦1,000 from viewers seeking access to a pirated copy of the full movie. The petition was supported with evidence including screenshots, transaction details, and documents affirming ownership rights.
Through coordinated intelligence, the prime suspect was arrested. He confessed to obtaining the movie from an illegal website, uploading edited scenes on TikTok for engagement, and distributing the full pirated film via WhatsApp for ₦1,000. He admitted selling the pirated movie to over 50 individuals and confirmed involvement in the piracy of several Nollywood titles such as “Farmers Bride,” “Thinline,” and “Alakada Bad and Bourjee.”
A forensic examination of two seized devices—an iPhone 15 Pro and an iPhone SE—yielded substantial evidence including lists of recipients and copies of pirated films shared via WhatsApp and Telegram.
Financial forensics further revealed inflows of ₦7,616,403.80 and outflows of ₦7,612,270.99 in his OPay account between 20 August and 29 October 2025, confirming steady revenue from cyber-enabled piracy and fraud.
The suspect has been arraigned before a competent court. This feat underscores the FCID’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights and protecting Nigeria’s film industry from economic sabotage.
