Netnaija founder arraigned over alleged movie piracy

The chief executive of Netnaija Media Enterprises, Emmanuel Analike, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of copyright infringement linked to the popular download platform Netnaija.

Mr Analike appeared before Justice Suleiman Liman on Wednesday after the case was filed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

According to the commission, the Netnaija founder used his website to distribute films and other audio-visual content without the permission of the copyright owners. Prosecutors told the court that the materials were made available for internet users to download through the platform.

Netnaija is widely known as a website where users download movies, television series and music files.

The prosecution counsel, Gladys Isaac-Ojo, informed the court that the alleged offence violates Section 44(1)(a) of the Copyright Act 2022, which criminalises unauthorised reproduction or distribution of copyrighted works.

However, Mr Analike pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Court orders remand as bail ruling is delayed

Following his plea, the defendant’s lawyer, Nnemeka Ejiofor, applied for bail on his behalf.

The defence counsel told the court that the bail request had already been filed earlier in the week and was supported by a 23-paragraph affidavit alongside a written address outlining the legal arguments for granting bail.

Despite the application, Justice Liman declined to issue an immediate bench ruling.

Instead, the judge adjourned the decision on the bail request until March 9, 2026, and ordered that Mr Analike be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.

The case marks one of the most high-profile copyright enforcement actions involving a Nigerian digital content platform.

For years, copyright holders and film industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the impact of piracy websites on the Nigerian entertainment sector. Platforms that allow free downloads of movies and music have often been accused of undermining revenue for filmmakers, producers and distributors.

The Nigerian Copyright Commission has, in recent years, intensified its enforcement efforts as the country’s digital media ecosystem expands.

Authorities say the increasing availability of high-speed internet and streaming technologies has made it easier for copyrighted content to be copied and distributed without authorisation.

Industry analysts say the outcome of the case could signal a tougher regulatory stance against online platforms accused of facilitating piracy in Nigeria.

If convicted under the Copyright Act, individuals found guilty of infringement offences could face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

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