Piracy Threat Continues Despite NCC Crackdown
The fight against digital piracy in Nigeria faces a renewed challenge as operators of the notorious online platform MovieBox continue to evade enforcement by shifting to new domain names. Following the recent suspension of one of its domains, the piracy site has resurfaced under a new web address, prompting strong condemnation from industry stakeholders.
President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Uche Agbo, has decried the persistent domain-hopping tactics of MovieBox’s operators. In a statement made available to the press, Agbo commended the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) for its proactive enforcement, particularly the July 20, 2025 suspension of a MovieBox clone site. The action, carried out with support from the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), was viewed as a major win for Nigeria’s content creators.
However, the celebration was short-lived. The operators behind the platform promptly migrated to another domain—continuing their illicit activities and undermining the NCC’s progress.
A Call for Broader, Coordinated Action
Agbo expressed deep concern over this evasive maneuver, characterising the new domain registration as a blatant attempt to sidestep accountability while continuing to exploit the intellectual property of Nigerian filmmakers, musicians, and other content creators.
“This tactic of shifting domains is not just evasive—it’s a calculated attack on our creative economy,” he said. “Piracy robs artists of their livelihoods, spreads malware, and opens the door to identity theft and fraud.”
To stem the tide, Agbo urged a multi-stakeholder response, calling on domain registrars, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom companies, and payment platforms to play active roles in identifying and deactivating pirate sites and their mirror domains. He also stressed the need for international cooperation, urging global copyright enforcement bodies and rights holders’ associations to support Nigeria’s efforts under the NCC’s STOP campaign.
DGN Pledges Continued Support for Anti-Piracy Efforts
Reaffirming the DGN’s commitment to the protection of creative works, Agbo pledged continued collaboration with the NCC to dismantle piracy networks and strengthen Nigeria’s enforcement mechanisms.
“Nigeria must remain resolute in protecting creative content,” he stated. “Domain hopping cannot become a shield for piracy. We stand firm with the NCC in ensuring these illegal operations are shut down for good.”
As the digital economy expands and Nigerian entertainment continues to gain global visibility, stakeholders agree that a firm, unified stance is needed to safeguard the creative sector from the evolving tactics of online pirates.