A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a N5 billion copyright suit against Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, affirming her as the sole author and owner of the hit song Way Maker.
Delivering judgment on July 24, 2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa ruled that music producer Michael Oluwole failed to prove claims of co-authorship and co-ownership of the globally acclaimed song.
Oluwole had filed the suit in March 2024, seeking recognition as a co-creator, a share of the song’s earnings, and N5 billion in damages for alleged infringement of his performer’s rights.
However, the court held that his role was limited to mixing and mastering the track after being contracted and paid, noting that Sinach had already created and performed the song before engaging his services.
The judge emphasized that copyright ownership lies with the creator of the original elements of a work, such as its lyrics, melody, and arrangement, adding that technical contributors do not qualify as authors unless they provide original creative input.
Describing the case as unmeritorious, the court dismissed all claims and reaffirmed Sinach’s exclusive rights to the song’s reproduction, distribution, performance, and licensing under Nigerian copyright law.
Sinach and her husband, Joseph Egbu, expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
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