FEDERAL HIGH COURT IN LAGOS, HAS DISMISSED A COPYRIGHT SUIT FILED AGAINST GOSPEL ARTISTE SINACH OVER HER GLOBAL SONG, "WAY MAKER".

The Federal High Court has dismissed a copyright suit filed by Michael Oluwole against renowned Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, , affirming her as the sole author and owner of the globally acclaimed worship song, "Way Maker."

In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024, the plaintiff sought a declaration recognizing him as a co-author and co-owner of the musical work. He also requested a share of the income generated from licences and assignments of the song, alleged infringement of his performer's rights, and demanded ₦5 billion in general damages.

Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa held that the plaintiff failed to establish any legal basis for his claims of authorship or co-ownership.

The Court found that the evidence showed Sinach had already written and performed "Way Maker" before the plaintiff became involved. According to the judgment, Michael Oluwole was later engaged to mix and master the already existing song for its commercial album release in 2015 and was duly paid for those technical services under an oral agreement.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa further ruled that copyright authorship belongs to the individual who creates the original expressive elements of a musical work, including its melody, harmony, lyrics, or arrangement. The Court emphasized that producers, sound engineers, or session contributors do not automatically acquire authorship by providing technical or instrumental support unless they contribute original expressive content to the work.

Describing the suit as "gold-digging and unmeritorious," the Court dismissed the case in its entirety.

The judgment reaffirms Sinach's exclusive authorship and ownership of the hit gospel song "Way Maker."

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