Court Throws Out N5 Billion Copyright Lawsuit, Declares Sinach Sole Owner of Global Hit ‘Way Maker’

The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a N5 billion copyright lawsuit filed against renowned Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, officially affirming her as the sole author and copyright owner of the globally acclaimed worship 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 claims of co-authorship and co-ownership of the internationally celebrated song.

Court Rejects Producer’s Ownership Claims

Michael Oluwole filed the lawsuit in March 2024, asking the court to recognize him as a co-author and co-owner of Way Maker.

He also sought a share of the revenue generated from the song and demanded N5 billion in damages, alleging that his performer’s rights had been infringed.

However, the court found that Oluwole’s role was strictly limited to mixing and mastering the song after it had already been created by Sinach. The judge ruled that he was hired for technical production services and had already been compensated for that work.

According to the judgment, the evidence presented showed that Sinach had written and publicly performed Way Maker before engaging Oluwole to prepare the track for commercial release.

The court also noted that the gospel singer had performed the song at international events before the studio version was produced.

Judge Clarifies Copyright Ownership

Justice Lewis-Allagoa explained that copyright ownership belongs to the individual responsible for creating the original expressive elements of a musical work, including its lyrics, melody, harmony, arrangement, and composition.

He emphasized that technical professionals such as producers, recording engineers, and sound technicians do not automatically become authors of a song simply because they contributed to its production.

According to the court, such contributors can only claim authorship if they provide original creative expression that forms part of the copyrighted work.

Based on the evidence before it, the judge described the lawsuit as lacking merit and dismissed all the claims brought by the plaintiff.

Sinach Retains Exclusive Rights to ‘Way Maker’

The ruling further confirmed that Sinach remains the exclusive copyright owner of Way Maker, giving her full legal control over the song’s:

• Reproduction
• Distribution
• Public performance
• Licensing
• Commercial exploitation

The judgment reinforces her exclusive rights under Nigeria’s copyright laws, ending the long-running legal dispute over ownership of one of the world’s most successful contemporary gospel songs.

Sinach Welcomes Court Victory

Following the judgment, Sinach and her husband, Joseph Egbu, who serves as Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd. and Gosgem Records, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.

The ruling represents a significant legal victory for the award-winning gospel artist, bringing clarity to the ownership of Way Maker, a song that has become one of the most widely performed and translated worship songs across the globe.