Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has issued a heartfelt plea and stern warning to Nigerians attempting to pirate her latest movie, Alakada: Bhad and Boujee.
Taking to her social media platforms, Toyin revealed that a recent incident in a cinema involved a culprit who was caught secretly recording her film. This alarming discovery has prompted the actress to publicly address the issue and emphasize the consequences of such actions.
In a video shared on Instagram, Toyin disclosed that the individual managed to record an hour and 16 minutes of the movie before being apprehended. The recording was subsequently deleted, and while the person was released following her intervention, Toyin stressed that such leniency would not be repeated.
“Please stop recording. If they catch anybody else, I won’t interfere,” she warned. The visibly exhausted actress also pleaded with moviegoers to respect her efforts, saying, “I’m working hard to make you people proud.”
Alakada: Bhad and Boujee, currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria, is one of Toyin Abraham’s most anticipated releases. However, the issue of piracy threatens to undermine her hard work and investment. This isn’t the first time the actress has been vocal about combating piracy.
Last year, during the release of her movie Malaika, she exposed five individuals who attempted to sell pirated versions of the film. Speaking at a press conference, Toyin recounted how she almost “went mad” after learning of the rampant piracy attempts, especially after investing over ₦500 million in the project.
Piracy continues to plague the Nigerian film industry, affecting not only Toyin Abraham but other Nollywood stars as well. Actress Funke Akindele recently voiced similar concerns following the premiere of her film, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
Funke lamented how piracy is eroding the hard work of filmmakers, urging Nigerians to shun such practices. Both actresses are calling for stricter measures and greater awareness to protect intellectual property in Nollywood.
Toyin’s latest plea highlights the emotional and financial toll piracy takes on filmmakers. She reiterated her commitment to producing quality content for her fans, asking for their support in protecting her work.
“Look at me, I am so tired. I just got back from the cinema,” she said, appealing to moviegoers’ sense of fairness and responsibility. She also assured fans that those caught in future acts of piracy would face the full weight of the law.
As Alakada: Bhad and Boujee continues to draw audiences to cinemas, Toyin Abraham’s fight against piracy serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Her determination to protect her craft and investments reflects the resilience of Nollywood filmmakers in the face of persistent threats. Fans are urged to respect the hard work of creatives by enjoying their films through legitimate channels, ensuring that the industry thrives for years to come.
