Conversations around a possible sequel to Netflix hit series Shanty Town have come to a halt as co-producers Ini Edo and Chinenye Nworah are reportedly in a legal battle over ownership of the series.
According to a leaked cease-and-desist warning letter sent from Ini Edo’s lawyers to Netflix, the actress wants all conversations around the sequel to be halted as she claims co-ownership and rights to the production.
“It has come to our client’s attention that Netflix is currently negotiating a sequel to the cinematograph film – Shanty Town with Ms Chinenye Nworahand Giant Creative Media Limited (GCM) without the consent, knowledge or waiver of our client as co-owners of the intellectual property rights over the work Shanty Town.
“Please be advised that Ms Chineye Nworah and GCM are not the sole owners of the intellectual property rights over the Cinematograph film Shanty Town. Our clients are co-owners of the intellectual property rights and they have not authorised, permitted or sanctioned Ms Chinenye Nworah and GCM to discuss any sequel with Ntelfix on its behalf,” the letter read in parts.
In a shift response through her own lawyers, Chinonye, however, dismissed any notion of ownership of shared ownership with Ini Edo, describing her claims as “false and malicious”.
Shanty Town was released in January 2023.
The series stars stars Ini Edo, Richard Mofe–Damijo, Chidi Mokeme, Nse Ikpe–Etim, Shola Sobowale, Shaffy Bello, Ali Nuhu, Uche Jombo, Zubby Michael, Omowunmi Dada, Mercy Eke, Regina Daniels, Judith Audu, Toyin Abraham and Peter Okoye of P-Square.
