The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright infringement suit filed against award-winning gospel singer and music minister Sinach over 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, reaffirmed Sinach’s sole authorship and ownership of the song, bringing an end to the legal dispute over one of the most successful gospel songs in the world.
The lawsuit was filed by music producer Michael Oluwole, who sought declarations of co-authorship, co-ownership and recognition as a co-owner of the musical work. He also requested a share of all proceeds from licences and assignments linked to the song, alleged infringement of performer’s rights, and demanded ₦5 billion in general damages alongside other reliefs.
However, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety after holding that the plaintiff failed to prove ownership or co-authorship of Way Maker. According to the judgment, the evidence showed the song had already been written and performed by Sinach before Michael Oluwole was engaged to mix and master the existing recording for its commercial release in 2015.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled that copyright belongs to the person who creates the original expressive content of a musical work, including its melody, harmony, lyrics or arrangement. The court further held that a producer, engineer or session contributor does not become a co-author simply by providing technical or instrumental support unless they contribute original creative expression to the work.
The judgment also noted that the plaintiff’s own evidence and admissions during cross-examination confirmed he merely developed an already existing song into a recorded musical work for an agreed fee.
Describing the case, Justice Lewis-Allagoa said the plaintiff’s action was “gold-digging and unintelligent” before dismissing it completely.
Reacting to the outcome, Joseph Egbu, Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd. and GOSGEM Records Ltd., the companies that manage Sinach, expressed appreciation to the legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Etiaba, for securing the favourable judgment.
The ruling officially reaffirms Sinach as the sole author and owner of Way Maker, a song that has become one of the most widely sung contemporary gospel worship anthems across the world.
