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| Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit against gospel singer Sinach. |
Summary
Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit against gospel singer Sinach.
The court ruled that Sinach is the sole author and copyright owner of Way Maker.
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa held that music production alone does not make someone a co-author of a song.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright infringement suit filed against award-winning gospel singer Sinach, affirming that she is the sole author and owner of her globally celebrated worship song, Way Maker. Read original
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa delivered the judgment on July 24, 2026, bringing an end to the legal battle over one of the world's most successful contemporary gospel songs.
The case was initiated by music producer Michael Oluwole, who claimed he co-created Way Maker and asked the court to declare him a co-author and co-owner of the song. He also sought a share of all revenue generated through licences and assignments, alleged infringement of his performer's rights, and demanded ₦5 billion in general damages along with other reliefs.
After reviewing the evidence, the court ruled that Oluwole failed to establish any legal claim to the song. The judge found that Way Maker had already been written and publicly performed by Sinach before the producer was hired to mix and master the recording ahead of its commercial release in 2015.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa explained that copyright belongs to the individual who creates the original musical expression, including the melody, lyrics, harmony or arrangement. The court further stated that a producer, sound engineer or session musician does not automatically become a co-author by offering technical or instrumental services unless they contribute original creative content.
According to the judgment, the plaintiff's own testimony during cross-examination showed that his role was limited to refining an already existing song for commercial distribution in exchange for an agreed fee.
Describing the lawsuit, Justice Lewis-Allagoa said the action was "gold-digging and unintelligent," before dismissing the case in its entirety.
Reacting to the verdict, Joseph Egbu, Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd. and GOSGEM Records Ltd., which manage Sinach, praised the legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emeka Etiaba for successfully defending the gospel singer's rights.
With the ruling, the court has officially reaffirmed Sinach's ownership of Way Maker, a worship anthem that has been translated into multiple languages and continues to be sung in churches and gatherings across the world.
Sinach's position, as upheld by the court: She remains the sole author and copyright owner of Way Maker.