FilmOne Entertainment has announced the arrest of a man accused of leaking and selling pirated material from its comedy Owambe Thieves.
In a joint Instagram post, the distributor said the suspect, identified as Rogeeb Ayobami Musibau, allegedly uploaded scenes from the film on TikTok under the name “Naijaprey TV” and monetised access to a high-resolution illegal copy. He is expected to face prosecution for copyright infringement.
Piracy remains one of Nollywood’s most persistent challenges. Despite the industry’s size and output, Nigeria loses billions of naira annually to illegal duplication, early leaks, and unauthorised online uploads. These losses weaken box-office performance, discourage investors, create financial risks for producers, and limit job opportunities across the value chain. Weak enforcement, low public awareness, and the rapid spread of short-form platforms have made it easier for pirated content to circulate before a film completes its commercial run.
Owambe Thieves, produced by Eniola Ajao and directed by Adeoluwa Owu, follows a young couple, Cheta and Lola, navigating financial hardship. After attending a lavish Yoruba “owambe” party, they attempt to take advantage of the free-flowing cash culture, triggering a series of comedic consequences.