Jide Kosoko Urges 20-Year Jail Term to Combat Nollywood Piracy

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has raised concerns over the persistent issue of piracy in Nigeria’s film industry, calling for stricter penalties to deter offenders.

Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, Kosoko emphasized the devastating impact of piracy on filmmakers and the inadequacy of current legal measures.

With a career spanning over five decades, Kosoko revealed that despite his vast experience and contributions to Nollywood, he does not consider himself wealthy by Nigerian standards.

He partly attributes this to the financial losses caused by piracy, stressing the need for stronger copyright laws.

“The punishment in the copyright law for piracy is still not strong enough as far as I am concerned,” he remarked.

He argued that imposing monetary fines on individuals who have profited significantly from piracy is an ineffective deterrent.

“Somebody who has been pirating people’s works for years is a billionaire, so how much do you want to fine him? Fine him N500 million, and he will just bring it out of what he has sold,” he explained.

To combat this, Kosoko advocates for harsher, non-monetary penalties.

“But if you attach a 20-year jail sentence to it with no option of a fine, people will refrain from piracy,” he stated.

This view reflects his belief that strict custodial sentences would be a stronger deterrent against the widespread piracy plaguing Nigeria’s creative industries.

Kosoko’s insights highlight the broader struggles faced by Nollywood professionals. Despite the industry’s expansion and global recognition, piracy remains a major threat to its profitability and long-term sustainability.

His call for legislative reform underscores the urgent need for policies that safeguard intellectual property rights and ensure creatives receive fair compensation for their work. As discussions on piracy and copyright enforcement continue to gain traction, stakeholders in Nigeria’s entertainment industry may consider Kosoko’s recommendations as a catalyst for reform, working toward a system that better protects artistic creations from infringement.

Pulse/Oluchi