By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
Six persons, Mr. Kehinde Oseni, Mr. Adekunle Segun, Mr. Adebiyi Sodiq, Mr. Oseni S. Akano, Mrs. Agboola Motunrayo and Mrs. Adebiyi Suliat were arraigned
at an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly pirating a film produced by Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham, titled “Malaika.”
The defendants were docked by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi Lagos.
All the defendants were accused of conspiracy, attempt to pervert justice and intellectual theft.
The prosecution counsel, Morufu Animashaun alleged that the defendants conspired and committed the offences in January 2024, in the Apapa area of Lagos State.
The court was told that the defendants allegedly stole “Malaika” property of Abraham, which cost over N500 million to produce, via the internet.
It was further heard that a sixth person, one Mrs. Agboola Saidat Suliat, allegedly aided one Oseni Akano, to evade arrest by constantly communicating with him, in a bid to avoid his arrest.
Animashaun told the court that the defendants’ actions contravened Sections 411; 972; 415 and 87 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
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Each defendant pleaded not guilty upon hearing the charge preferred against them.
Following their plea, the prosecutor prayed the court for their remand in a correctional centre pending the determination of the charge.
But defence counsel Ganiyu Oyarevuegbe opposed him and made an oral application for their bail, “in the most liberal terms.”
Granting the defendants’ prayer, Chief Magistrate E. O. Ogunkanmi admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in the like sum, among other terms. He adjourned the matter till February 23, for mention.
