Nollywood stars gather for crime drama 19 premiere

Nollywood stars, filmmakers and entertainment industry personalities gathered in Lagos on Sunday for the premiere of 19, a crime drama written and directed by Tola Odunsi.

The event, held at Fame in Lekki, attracted Toyin Abraham, Kunle Afolayan, Deyemi Okanlawon, Wale Ojo, Linda Ejiofor, Femi Adebayo, Darey Art Alade and Kunle Remi, alongside members of the cast and crew.

The film features Stan Nze, Sola Sobowale, Bisola Aiyeola, Deyemi Okanlawon, William Benson, Ademola Adedoyin, Boma Akpore, Helen Enado Odigie, Tayo Faniran and Charles Okafor.

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s battle with internet fraud, 19 follows Ndubuisi Madueke, played by Stan Nze, whose struggle with poverty and desperation draws him into cybercrime.

His situation changes after he meets Usuanlele, a wealthy and influential man who becomes his mentor.

Rather than focusing only on the criminal act, the film explores the pressures that push young people towards internet fraud, including unemployment, poverty, corruption, peer influence and the pursuit of quick wealth.

Odunsi said the film was intended to examine the circumstances behind criminal choices and highlight their consequences.

“Every crime has a story before the crime. With 19, I wanted to tell that story, to ask how a brilliant young man can move from wanting a better life to losing himself in the pursuit of it,” he said.

Producer Bola Atta said the film was inspired by the growing impact of internet fraud on individuals, families and society.

“Something definitely needs to be done to address this situation. That is why we decided to make a movie that not only reflects this reality but also shows that there is a better path to success,” she said.

Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, described the film as timely, saying it demonstrates how people facing similar pressures can make different choices.

Canal+ Senior Vice-President of Content, Busola Tejumola, also praised the film for addressing internet fraud, cable piracy and content theft.

The title 19 references Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which is associated with advance-fee fraud and has become widely linked with internet fraud in Nigeria.

Distributed by Nile Entertainment, the film opens in Nigerian cinemas on September 11.