In a significant legal development, six individuals faced charges yesterday in the Igbosere Chiefs Magistrate’s Court for allegedly pirating Toyin Abraham’s movie, “Malaika.” The prosecution, represented by police attorneys from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi Lagos, presented the accused individuals—Kehinde Oseni, Adekunle Segun, Adebiyi Sodiq, Oseni S. Akano, Mrs. Agboola Motunrayo, and Mrs. Adebiyi Suliat—before Chief Magistrate E. Ogunkanmi.
The charges brought against them include stealing intellectual property, ( Malaika) conspiracy, and attempting to obstruct the course of justice. The prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, informed the court that the defendants allegedly carried out these actions in January in the Apapa area.
According to Animashaun, the accused individuals violated sections 411, 972, 415, and 87 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, and are liable to punishment under these laws.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty for pirating Malaika . Following their plea, Animashaun requested that the court remand them in the Correctional Center until the resolution of the case.
However, Ganiyu Oyarevuegbe, the defense attorney, sought bail for the accused, making an oral request for bail in the most lenient terms.
The case underscores the ongoing battle against piracy in the entertainment industry and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for those found guilty of intellectual property theft. The court is expected to make further determinations as the legal proceedings unfold.