Nollywood Actor Femi Adebayo Wins N25 Million Lawsuit Against Film Pirates

Femi Adebayo, a prominent Nollywood producer, has triumphed in a legal battle against film piracy, securing a victory worth N25 million after a three-year court case.

In a post on his social media account, the 45-year-old actor and producer, renowned for his roles in Yoruba films, shared the story of his journey through the legal system and highlighted the harmful impact piracy has on the Nigerian film industry.

Adebayo explained that he had experienced significant losses due to film piracy and emphasized his commitment to fighting against it. He revealed that a media company, owning a popular radio station and distributing content on YouTube, had used the poster and title of his film “Survival of Jelili” to promote a different movie, misleading audiences and diverting revenue.

Taking legal action, Adebayo pursued the case for three years, and the court ultimately ruled in his favor, awarding him N25 million. Although he did not disclose the name of the company involved, he called the court’s decision “a win for all of Nollywood.”

In his post, Adebayo noted that the Nigerian film industry has seen substantial growth, but piracy has hampered its potential. He expressed hope that by taking a firm stand against intellectual property theft, investors would be more willing to fund Nollywood projects. Adebayo also praised the efforts of his legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, for their dedication and expertise, which played a crucial role in achieving this outcome.

“This victory is not just for me as a filmmaker and content creator,” he wrote, “but it’s a win for the entire Nollywood community. By combating piracy at every level, we can protect our work and ensure that the industry receives its due economic value.”