A Federal High Court has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit filed against Nigerian gospel singer Sinach over ownership of her internationally acclaimed song, “Way Maker.”
In a judgment delivered on July 24, 2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa ruled that music producer Michael Oluwole failed to prove his claim that he co-authored or co-owned the award-winning gospel track.
Oluwole had filed the suit in March 2024, seeking legal recognition as a joint author of Way Maker. He also requested a share of the song’s earnings and ₦5 billion in damages, alleging infringement of his performer’s rights.
However, the court held that the producer’s role was limited to providing mixing and mastering services after being engaged and paid for the assignment.
According to the judgment, evidence presented before the court showed that Sinach had written and publicly performed Way Maker before Oluwole became involved in the project. The court also noted that the song had been performed internationally before its studio production.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa explained that copyright ownership rests with the person responsible for the original creative elements of a work, including its lyrics, melody, harmony, or musical arrangement.
The judge further stated that technical contributions such as audio production, engineering, or sound mixing do not automatically confer authorship unless they involve original creative expression.
Describing the case as lacking merit, the court dismissed all the claims brought by the plaintiff and reaffirmed Sinach’s exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license the song under Nigeria’s copyright laws.
Following the ruling, Sinach and her husband, Joseph Egbu, Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd. and Gosgem Records, welcomed the court’s decision and expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
