Police arrest notorious pirate over internet piracy

In a significant victory against Internet piracy, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force Intelligence Bureau has successfully apprehended the operator behind the notorious pirate domain www.score808.com.ng.

This domain was infamous for illegally streaming MultiChoice (SuperSport) content, drawing millions of visits from across Africa and beyond.

The arrest, which took place on August 22, 2024, in Osogbo, Osun State, marked a major milestone in the ongoing battle against intellectual property theft and online streaming piracy.

The capture followed an extensive investigation that spanned several months. Despite efforts to evade detection by frequently changing locations, the IRT’s relentless pursuit ensured the eventual arrest. The suspect remains in police custody, with substantial evidence pointing to involvement in large-scale illegal streaming activities. If convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to five years.

The scale of the illegal operation is evident from the website’s traffic statistics. The domain www.score808.com.ng garnered 3.1 million visits globally, with over 1.2 million visits originating from Africa alone.

The Director of Broadcasting and Cyber Piracy at Irdeto, Frikkie Jonker, expressed his appreciation for the Nigerian Police’s dedication and support in this operation. He commented, “All forms of piracy continue to pose a significant threat to the creative industry. At Irdeto, we are fully committed to addressing every facet of piracy, whether it occurs online or through other means. The arrest of this notorious pirate is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies and private sectors work hand in hand. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Police’s unwavering support, which has led to this positive outcome.”

Online streaming piracy is not only a criminal offence but also poses significant risks to customers. Users who access pirated content are often exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats that can compromise their personal information. Additionally, by engaging with illegal streams, customers inadvertently contribute to the erosion of the creative industry, undermining the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in content production and distribution.

Moreover, the economic impact of piracy extends beyond the entertainment industry. Countries that are seen as hubs for piracy suffer reputational damage, which can deter foreign investment and reduce economic growth. The loss of revenue due to piracy is substantial, depriving governments of tax income that could be used to fund public services.

The impact of such piracy on the creative industry is profound and far-reaching. Piracy significantly diminishes revenue streams for content creators, broadcasters, and distributors, directly affecting their ability to invest in new and innovative content. The loss of revenue due to piracy not only harms individual creators but also leads to job losses across the industry, from actors and directors to technical staff and marketing teams. This reduction in financial resources stifles creativity and innovation, limiting the diversity and quality of content available to audiences.

Moreover, piracy undermines the trust and sustainability of the entire creative ecosystem. When content is widely pirated, it devalues the hard work and intellectual property of creators, making it more difficult for legitimate platforms to compete. This can lead to reduced investment in original content, shrinking opportunities for emerging talent, and ultimately, a less vibrant and diverse cultural landscape.

In this context, the actions taken by the Nigerian Police serve not only to protect intellectual property but also to safeguard the nation’s economic interests and global standing.

The fight against piracy is ongoing, and MultiChoice, in partnership with Irdeto and Nigerian law enforcement, remains steadfast in its efforts to combat intellectual property theft. The collaboration with the Nigerian Police will continue as the case moves through the legal process.

This arrest is a powerful reminder that piracy, in all its forms, will not be tolerated. The creative industry is vital to the cultural and economic fabric of society, and efforts to protect it will remain relentless.