Renowned Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has revealed that she was hospitalized due to severe panic attacks triggered by the unauthorized circulation of her recent movie, Malaika. The high-budget film, released exclusively in cinemas on December 15, 2023, fell victim to illegal distribution, leaving the actress distraught.
Speaking at the Federal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force in Alagbon, Ikoyi, where individuals connected to the illegal distribution were paraded, Abraham expressed her dismay at the violation of her work, emphasizing the emotional toll it took. She disclosed that panic attacks landed her in the hospital, stating, "It is not easy shooting a movie close to N500m, and you just see it out there."
Abraham recounted the heart-wrenching moment she discovered the movie circulating on social media, prompting immediate action to combat the piracy. Desperate to salvage her work, she engaged tech experts and even pleaded with one of the culprits on Telegram. The actress highlighted the financial losses incurred, as potential viewers opted to wait for the movie to be available online for free.
Undeterred, Abraham declared her commitment to fighting piracy not only for her benefit but as a cause for the entire creative and entertainment industry. The leaked movie incident raises critical questions about the challenges faced by filmmakers in protecting their intellectual property in the digital age
