Script writer accuses actress Stephanie Linus of copyright theft

Lawyer and scriptwriter, Daniella Madudu is accusing Nollywood actress Stephanie Linus-Okereke of copyright theft claiming that the movie entitled “DRY” which was released some time ago by the thespian has “substantial similarity” and semblance to an original work, that she (Madudu) wrote in 2011 titled ‘Behind Her Veil’.

Reports say Madudu is seeking legal redress for the infringement and has told her Lagos based solicitors, Rafiu Bello & co, to write the actress requesting credits as owner of the original story, since a substantial part of her movie ‘Behind Her Veil’ was adapted for the movie DRY.

Madudu according to reports is also demanding a suitable compensation of N60, 000,000 (sixty Million Naira), and royalties, failing which she has threatened civil and criminal action against Stephanie Linus-Okereke.

Read also: Kemi Olunloyo cries out from prison: Court registrar wants me to remain jailed indefinitely

Reacting to the matter, Madudu’s lawyer said he is ready to file a suit against the actress who is yet to respond to the allegations of copyright theft leveled against her by his client.

“We are ready to file the suit anytime from tomorrow as stated in the demand letter. We have only waited for the 14 days to lapse to offer an opportunity for Mrs. Okereke-Linus to settle the matter amicably. The ultimatum lapses today.”

The allegations against Stephanie Linus-Okereke is coming on the heels of another similar case involving actress Omoni Oboli who is also being accused by a Canada based writer who goes by the name Jude Idada of intellectual theft.

Jude alleged that Oboli lifted his script which he said she adapted for her yet-to-be-released movie titled “Okafor’s Law” which got a nod at the Toronto International Film Festival TIFF (one of the top 5 film festivals in the world).

 

 

 

 

 

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