Chime Chinedu Abumchukwu, the founder of Ou Travel and Tour, has accused Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli of unauthorized use of his video footage in her film Love In Every Word.
According to Abumchukwu, scenes featuring Awka, Amawbia, and Osumenyi—locations known for their cultural heritage—were taken from his work without permission or proper credit. His discovery came after the movie was removed from YouTube due to a separate copyright complaint filed by another user, Chinonso Obiora Skyberry.
Although Abumchukwu did not initiate the takedown, his investigation revealed that his footage had been used without consent. He has since urged Omoni Oboli to acknowledge his work and respect intellectual property rights, emphasizing the importance of giving due credit to creators. The situation has sparked discussions about copyright issues in Nollywood and the need for better recognition of original content.
“This is about recognizing and respecting the work of content creators,” Abumchukwu stated. “Filmmakers should ensure that all materials used in their productions are properly credited, especially when they come from independent creators.”
Despite the controversy, Chime Chinedu Abumchukwu acknowledged feeling honored that his footage was included in Love In Every Word. However, he remains resolute in his demand for proper acknowledgment, stressing the significance of crediting creatives who contribute to storytelling and cultural promotion.
The situation has ignited discussions about copyright concerns within Nollywood and the wider entertainment industry. It underscores the necessity for fair treatment of content creators and adherence to intellectual property laws to protect their work.
As of now, Omoni Oboli has not publicly addressed the accusations. It remains uncertain whether she will issue a statement, credit Abumchukwu for his work, or take steps to resolve the matter. The incident has sparked debate about ethical filmmaking practices and the responsibility of filmmakers to respect the intellectual contributions of others in their projects.