Court Dismisses ₦5bn Copyright Suit Against Gospel Singer Sinach Over ‘Way Maker’

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit filed against internationally acclaimed Nigerian gospel artiste, Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, over her globally celebrated worship song, “Way Maker.”

Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, who delivered judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024 on Friday, July 31, 2026, held that the plaintiff, Michael Oluwole, failed to establish his claim that he co-authored or co-owned the award-winning song.

Oluwole had asked the court to declare him a co-author and co-owner of Way Maker, sought an equitable share of royalties and licensing income from the song, alleged infringement of his performer’s rights, and demanded ₦5 billion in general damages, among other reliefs.

However, the court found that the evidence before it showed that Sinach had already created and performed the song before engaging Oluwole to mix and master the existing work for its commercial album release in 2015.

According to the court, the plaintiff was hired under an oral agreement and was duly paid for providing technical production services.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled that copyright authorship belongs to the individual who creates the original expressive elements of a musical work, including its melody, lyrics, harmony or arrangement.

The judge held that music producers, sound engineers or session contributors do not automatically become authors or co-owners of a song merely because they provide technical or instrumental support unless they contribute original creative expression to the work.

The court further noted that the plaintiff’s own testimony during cross-examination confirmed that Sinach brought an already existing song, which he only helped develop into a recorded version.

Describing the suit as “gold-digging and unmeritorious,” Justice Lewis-Allagoa dismissed all the plaintiff’s claims.

Sinach was represented by Emeka Etiaba (SAN) alongside Omolola Aderolu and O.G. Ofomata, while Matthew Enilobo appeared for the plaintiff.

Reacting to the judgment, the Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd and Gosgem Records, Joseph Egbu, together with Sinach, expressed appreciation to the defence legal team for securing what they described as a favourable judgment.

They said the ruling reaffirmed Sinach’s sole authorship and ownership of the globally acclaimed worship anthem, Way Maker.