Court to hear N5b suit against Sinach for alleged copyright infringement

THE Federal High Court will hear the N5 billion infringement suit filed against international gospel artiste, Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, by music producer, Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, today, Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The plaintiff, in suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024, is seeking a declaration from the court that he is an author and co-owner of the musical work, ‘Way Maker’. He is also demanding general damages of N5 billion for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking an order mandating that in the absence of a written agreement between him and the defendant, all fees accruing from licenses or assignments of copyright in ‘Way Maker’ should be divided equitably between them as co-owners.

The plaintiff also requests the court to determine an equitable division of fees as either an equal share or another division the court deems appropriate; Compel the defendant to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to ‘Way Maker,’ account for all accrued fees, and pay the plaintiff his due share; Declare that the defendant failed in her statutory obligation to conclude written agreements with the plaintiff for his contributions to the sound recording.

; Affirm that the plaintiff’s performer’s rights were infringed upon; Issue a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of ‘Way Maker’ or any adaptations thereof.

In response, the defendant, through her counsel, Emeka Etiaba, of Etiaba Chambers, denied the plaintiff’s claims. She argued that she achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ and asserts sole authorship of the song, which she says was composed, arranged, and performed in collaboration with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before the plaintiff’s involvement.