Man Writes Omoni Oboli Over Copyright Of His Work, Shares Demand, Fans React: “Good You Spoke Up”

• A tour and travel expert had called out Omoni Oboli over the copyright of his works in her film, Love in Every Word
• The film had been yanked off YouTube over copyright allegation levelled against the actress before the movie was later restored
• Fans in the comment section of the post encouraged the man and told him the next step to take

A man known as Chime Chinedu Abumchukwu, the founder of Ou Travel and Tour, has publicly written a note to a Nollywood actress and producer, Omoni Oboli, over copyright infringement of his works.

Legit.ng had reported that Omoni Oboli had cried out that some Ghanian TV stations were showing her movies without her permission.

While the dust was yet to settle over the allegations, the letter Abumchukwu wrote to Oboli surfaced online.

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According to him, he got several messages after people mistook him to be Obiora, the person who alleged that Omoni Oboli copied his work on YouTube.

Recall that Omoni’s new movie, Love In Every Word, was taken down from YouTube after a copyright infringement claim by a user named Chinonso Obiora Skyberry, asserting ownership of the content.

Chime stated that he had to clarify the mix-up, but in the process, he also realised that the actress used some of his works, which were video clips from Awka, Amawbia, and Osumenyi in Love in Every Word.

Chime Abumchukwu tells Omoni what he wants

Stating his demand from the actress, Chime disclosed that Omoni Oboli should acknowledge and respect intellectual properties.

He also added that she should give him proper credit for his works in her film. Chime further pointed out that if Oboli should do as he has stated, her gesture would be a great opportunity to promote the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

Chime affirmed that he was honoured that his works were used in her movie.

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See the tweet here:

How fans reacted to Chime's tweet

Reactions have trailed the tweet made by Chime. Here are some of the comments:

@OrionKingStar1 said:

"Well done for speaking up! I can also bet my house on it that it was the editor in Nigeria who is used to carelessly using clips without asking the necessary questions about copyright infringement that would have done this. Now Omoni must sadly address this asap."

@sassonthebeat stated:

"If you saw your video clips in the movie before now, and didn’t think to seek what might be due to you. Then, you’re not a serious person. I don’t think there’s any need for this public call out, reach her through other means."

@enyola shared:

"Very simple something. File a copyright claim with @YouTube and all other forms of credit will follow."

@NelOsuji wrote:

"You should also request payment not just credit."

@ahanaelroi commented:

"Would have been nice if you had added the video clips to this post."

Due diligence paramount in copyright compliance - Legal expert

Lagos-based intellectual property and technology lawyer, Adeyemi Owoade has provided legal insight into the options available to content creators "whose works are exploited without consent." He said the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022 significantly enhances protections for digital content owners.

Owoade noted that this Act offers clear legal remedies for infringement, including court injunctions, damages, and enforcement measures.

"Section 52 of the Act empowers creators to seek injunctions in court to halt further distribution of infringing content. They can also claim damages, which can include both actual losses and additional compensation for flagrant infringement,” he told Legit.ng.

According to him, the Act strengthens protections for “digital rights management (DRM) and technological protection measures (TPMs)” to prevent circumvention, essential for online content.

He recognised the role of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in tackling piracy and infringement, adding that:

"Creators can lodge complaints with the NCC, which can then investigate and pursue legal action."

Owoade also pointed out the new provision for online takedown notices, which streamlines the process for creators to protect their work. Sections 54-55 of the Act, he said, allow creators to request platforms to remove infringing content, similar to the United States' Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Before resorting to legal action, Owoade recommended an initial attempt at resolution through a cease-and-desist letter to the infringing party which "formally demands the removal of copyrighted content."

He further stressed the responsibility of filmmakers to obtain proper licenses before using third-party content, saying:

"Due diligence is paramount; producers must identify and contact rights holders, negotiate and secure appropriate licenses, and utilise Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) for streamlined licensing."

The legal expert noted that the new law strikes a balance between protecting content creators and guiding filmmakers on legal content usage.

"Using other people's content legally is possible, and is a better option than the legal battles that will and often arise from infringement," he concluded.

Omoni Oboli's son engages lover

Legit.ng had reported that Omoni Oboli showed that she was a proud mother after her first son shared good news with her.

According to her, her son Tobe proposed to his lover Marelle. Her daughter-in-law said she wanted a simple diamond ring with three stones, and they got it for her.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a legal expert for this report.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.