Ochalla led FCID Annex, Alagbon, uncovers mind boggling cyber-enabled crimes, intellectual property violations, arms trafficking, contraband seizures

The FCID Annex has successfully uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated syndicate involved in movie piracy, copyright infringement, conspiracy, and cyber-enabled offenses targeting Nigeria’s creative industry.

This operation, according to AIG FORCE CID ANNEX ALAGBON, IKOYI Spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, followed a petition by FilmOne Entertainment Limited, reporting the unlawful upload of their movie “Owambe Thieves” on TikTok on 23 August 2025.

The suspect demanded ₦1,000 from viewers seeking access to a pirated copy of the full movie. The petition was supported with evidence including screenshots, transaction details, and documents affirming ownership rights.

Through coordinated intelligence, the prime suspect was arrested. He confessed to obtaining the movie from an illegal website, uploading edited scenes on TikTok for engagement, and distributing the full pirated film via WhatsApp for ₦1,000.

He admitted selling the pirated movie to over 50 individuals and confirmed involvement in the piracy of several Nollywood titles such as “Farmers Bride,” “Thinline,” and “Alakada Bad and Bourjee.”

A forensic examination of two seized devices—an iPhone 15 Pro and an iPhone SE—yielded substantial evidence including lists of recipients and copies of pirated films shared via WhatsApp and Telegram.

Financial forensics further revealed inflows of ₦7,616,403.80 and outflows of ₦7,612,270.99 in his OPay account between 20 August and 29 October 2025, confirming steady revenue from cyber-enabled piracy and fraud.

The suspect has been arraigned before a competent court. This feat underscores the FCID’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights and protecting Nigeria’s film industry from economic sabotage.

In a separate major operation, the FCID Annex intercepted a consignment of 300 rounds of live ammunition and multiple contraband goods through credible intelligence received by the AIG.

The driver, Nelson Peretei, was arrested and brought to FCID Annex for questioning. A comprehensive search of the container—conducted in the presence of the clearing agent and suspected receivers—led to the recovery of:
• 300 rounds of 9mm live ammunition concealed in a Nissan Frontier pickup
• Two Toyota Sienna vans
• One Nissan Frontier pickup
• One SCION XA vehicle
• 24 bags of foreign rice
• 7 bales of used clothing (Okirika)
• Cartons of vegetable oil
• Various household items

Five suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment. Investigations linked the shipment to Mrs. Maria Adeyemi, based in the United States, who failed to declare the ammunition and contraband in the bill of lading.

Further inquiry exposed an attempt by a self-acclaimed retired U.S. Marine Colonel, Sunny Nwadiri, to claim ownership of the ammunition through an intermediary, without providing verifiable personal details.

Preliminary findings indicate strategic concealment of the illegal items among legitimate goods, with none of the ammunition or contraband listed in the shipping documents—a clear attempt to evade port security systems.

The FCID is conducting deeper investigations into the source, intended destination, and possible ties to broader criminal or arms-trafficking networks.

The Department is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure thorough intelligence-sharing and prosecution in accordance with the Firearms Act, Cap F28, LFN, and other relevant laws.

Under the leadership of the AIG in charge of FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Margaret A. Ochalla, and in alignment with the vision and mission of the Inspector-General of Police, the FCID Annex Alagbon reaffirms its unwavering commitment to:
• Disrupting cyber-crime networks
• Protecting Nigeria’s creative and economic assets
• Combating arms trafficking and contraband smuggling
• Ensuring national security and public safety

The AIG encourages members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts.

The FCID remains steadfast in its mandate to pursue criminals, dismantle illicit networks, and ensure that all offenders are brought to justice without hesitation.