Court Victory for Sinach: Federal High Court Dismisses ₦5 Billion Copyright Suit Over “Way Maker”

The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit filed against award-winning gospel singer Sinach over her globally acclaimed worship anthem, “Way Maker.” The suit was brought by music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, who claimed to be a co-author and co-owner of the song, seeking recognition of ownership rights, a share of proceeds, and ₦5 billion in damages for alleged copyright infringement. In its judgment, the court ruled that Oluwole failed to prove authorship or co-ownership of the song, establishing that “Way Maker” had already been written and performed by Sinach before he was engaged to provide mixing and mastering services for its commercial release—services for which he was paid under an oral agreement. The ruling reaffirms Sinach’s sole ownership of one of the most influential worship songs of recent years, a track that has been translated into over 50 languages and has touched millions of lives worldwide.

The dismissal has been welcomed by fans and supporters of the gospel artist, who view it as a significant legal victory and a validation of Sinach’s creative integrity. The case has also renewed conversations about the importance of clear contracts, copyright protection, and intellectual property rights within the music industry. Legal experts emphasize the necessity of properly documenting creative collaborations to prevent disputes over authorship, ownership, and royalties, particularly as gospel music continues to gain global commercial traction. While Sinach has not yet made a public statement regarding the judgment, the decision reinforces the principle that clear documentation is essential in the industry. As the legal proceedings come to a close, the judgment stands as a decisive affirmation of Sinach’s rightful ownership and a call for greater professionalism in the Nigerian music industry.