The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright infringement suit filed against award-winning gospel singer and music minister Sinach, reaffirming her as the sole author and owner of her globally acclaimed worship song, Way Maker.
In a judgment delivered on July 24, 2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, ruled that the plaintiff, music producer Michael Oluwole, failed to prove that he co-wrote or co-owned the internationally celebrated song.
Oluwole had asked the court to declare him a co-author and co-owner of Way Maker, claiming entitlement to a share of all proceeds from licences and assignments related to the song. He also alleged infringement of his performer’s rights and sought ₦5 billion in general damages, alongside other reliefs.
However, after reviewing the evidence, the court held that Way Maker had already been written and performed by Sinach before Oluwole was engaged in 2015 to mix and master the existing recording for commercial release.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa explained that copyright belongs to the person who creates the original expressive elements of a musical work, including its melody, lyrics, harmony and arrangement.
The court added that producers, sound engineers and session contributors do not automatically become co-authors simply because they provide technical or instrumental support, unless they contribute original creative expression to the work.
The judge further noted that the plaintiff’s own testimony during cross-examination showed that his role was limited to developing an already existing song into a commercial recording for an agreed fee.
Describing the suit, Justice Lewis-Allagoa characterised the action as “gold-digging and unintelligent” before dismissing it in its entirety.
Reacting to the judgment, Joseph Egbu, Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd. and GOSGEM Records Ltd., the companies managing Sinach, expressed appreciation to the legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emeka Etiaba for securing the favourable verdict.
The ruling brings an end to the legal dispute and officially reaffirms Sinach as the sole author and copyright owner of Way Maker, one of the most widely sung contemporary gospel worship songs across the world.
— Daily Times
