A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a N5 billion copyright lawsuit filed against renowned Nigerian gospel singer Sinach, officially confirming 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 that he was a co-author or co-owner of the award-winning gospel hit.
The producer had filed the copyright infringement case in March 2024, asking the court to recognize him as a joint creator of Way Maker. He also sought a share of the song’s earnings and demanded N5 billion in damages, alleging that his performer’s rights had been violated.
However, the court found that Oluwole’s contribution was limited to mixing and mastering the already completed song after he was hired and compensated for his professional services.
According to the ruling, the evidence showed that Sinach, whose full name is Osinachi Joseph Egbu, had written and performed Way Maker before engaging the producer. The court also noted that the internationally celebrated gospel song had been performed at several events before its studio recording.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa emphasized that copyright ownership belongs to the individual responsible for the original creative elements of a musical work, including its lyrics, melody, harmony, and arrangement. He explained that technical contributors such as music producers, sound engineers, and technicians do not automatically qualify as authors unless they contribute original creative expression.
Describing the lawsuit as lacking merit, the court dismissed all claims brought by the plaintiff and reaffirmed that Sinach retains the exclusive legal rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license Way Maker under Nigeria’s copyright law.
Reacting to the court victory, Sinach and her husband, Joseph Egbu, Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd. and Gosgem Records, welcomed the judgment, expressing satisfaction that the court had upheld her ownership of one of the world’s most popular Christian worship songs.
Source: newsthemegh.com