Conversations over a prospective sequel to Netflix’s successful series Shanty Town have come to a standstill, with co-producers Ini Edo and Chinenye Nworah apparently locked in a legal dispute over the series’ ownership.

According to a leaked cease-and-desist letter filed by Ini Edo’s attorneys to Netflix, the actress wants all discussions about the sequel to stop since she claims co-ownership and rights to the project. The letter stated in part:

“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 Netflix on its behalf.”

Chinonye, in a separate reaction through her own attorneys, disputed any concept of joint ownership with Ini Edo, branding her assertions as “false and malicious”.

Shanty Town was launched in January 2023.

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 from P-Square appear in the series.