‘TRULY GRATEFUL’: Funke Thanks AIG Idowu Owohunwa Over Arrest Of Movie Piracy Syndicate

Star actress Funke Akindele on Thursday led her team on an appreciation visit to the Assistant Inspector General FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Idowu Owohunwa.

During the visit, she lauded AIG Owohunwa for exhibiting professional, courageous and resilient leadership which aided in the investigation, arrest, and on-going prosecution of six suspects that were involved in the piracy and unlawful online streaming of her record-breaking movie – ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ and Toyin Abraham’s ‘Malaika’, among other movies.
 
This was disclosed in a statement signed by ASP Aminat Mayegun, Public Relations Officer,  FCID, Alagbon Annex, Lagos.

While also commending the Investigation Team for the prompt and meticulous manner they undertook the investigation and subsequent arraignment of the suspects in court, Akindele expressed her immense gratitude to the Nigeria Police for their commitment to the war against elements that are bent on destroying the movie industry and infringing on their copyright.

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She explained that despite being abroad when the case was reported, she closely followed the investigation and on her return to the country, she deemed it necessary to personally come to express her appreciation to the leadership and detectives of FCID (Annex), Lagos for their exceptional investigative efforts in the case.
 
She acknowledged that she incurred huge revenue losses due to the criminal activities of the offenders but took solace in the hope that the arrest and prosecution of the suspects will not only ensure that justice is served but will send a clear and strong message that would deter others from similar crime in future.

Akindele urged the Nigeria Police Force to continue supporting the industry in its fight against elements that utilize the cyberspace to pirate their works and earn undeserved financial rewards at the detriment of the movie producers.
 
In his response, AIG Idowu Owohunwa thanked Funke Akindele for her visit, and described it as a source of motivation to him and the dedicated detectives of the Department whose efforts, most often, go unrecognized and unappreciated.

Describing the Actress as an iconic personality in the movie industry, he congratulated her on the success of her latest movie.
 
AIG Owohunwa emphasised the significance of the entertainment industry as a positive representation of Nigeria globally and assured Funke Akindele that the case would be diligently prosecuted to serve the interest of justice.

He called upon Funke Akindele to utilise her dominant influence to rally industry stakeholders in support of the Nigeria Police in the drive to present a common front against piracy and cybercrime.