Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has been left devastated after her new film Secret Keeper was abruptly taken down from YouTube following a copyright claim she insists is false.
In a deeply emotional Instagram post on Saturday, the actress revealed that the project, which she described as “years of dreaming, months of work, sleepless nights,” was removed by Diamond Films, a filmmaker or entity she says has no right to claim ownership.
Etinosa said the removal feels like a personal attack on her hard work, creativity, and sacrifice.
Sharing her pain, she wrote:
“I just got the most painful notification ever. My film SECRET KEEPER that I poured my ideas, my money, time, and sweat, and every piece of my heart into, was unfairly taken down by someone who has no right to claim it.”
Calling out the individual behind the takedown, she added:
“‘Diamond Films’, I don’t know who you are, and I’m dying to know why you will do such a wicked thing to me.”
The actress said the film’s removal “feels cruel,” stressing that the project is more than just content uploaded online.
“This project isn’t just a video to me, it’s years of dreaming, months of work, sleepless nights… To see it removed so cruelly… It feels like… I’m fighting tears.”
Despite her heartbreak, Etinosa vowed to fight back and restore the film.
“I want you all to know this isn’t the end. I’m fighting to get our movie back. Your support is the only thing keeping me going right now… No matter how hard this gets, I won’t stop. This film will come back, so help me God.”
The actress also appreciated fans who quickly alerted her about the copyright strike and those who had watched, shared, and supported the film before it was taken down.
Etinosa’s experience mirrors a growing trend among Nollywood filmmakers, especially those distributing via YouTube.
Earlier this year, actress Omoni Oboli saw her hit film Love In Every Word which had over 7 million views, temporarily removed due to a copyright dispute. The issue was later resolved, and the film was restored.
Etinosa’s latest ordeal highlights the ongoing challenges independent filmmakers face within Nigeria’s booming YouTube movie ecosystem, where copyright claims, false strikes, and content theft continue to threaten creators’ livelihoods. For now, fans await updates as she battles to reclaim her film.