The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned until January 29 and 30, 2025, the N5 billion copyright infringement suit filed against gospel singer Osinachi Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, by music producer Michael Oluwole (Maye).
Oluwole in suit FHC/L/CS/402/2024, claims co-ownership of the hit song ‘Way Maker’ and seeks general damages of N5 billion for alleged rights violations.
He also demands a court declaration that royalties and licensing fees for the song be equitably shared between himself and Sinach.
The case which began in March 2024, has faced several adjournments.
On November 27, trial commenced with Oluwole affirming his statement and undergoing cross-examination.
Defense counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN) disputed Oluwole’s claims of co-authorship and opposed the admissibility of certain electronically generated documents due to non-compliance with court requirements.
The presiding judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, rejected the disputed documents and urged both parties to streamline proceedings.
Oluwole accuses Sinach of incorporating his instrumental contributions into Way Maker without compensation and licensing the song without sharing proceeds.
Sinach through her counsel denies the allegations, asserting sole authorship and claiming Oluwole’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid.
The court will continue hearing the case in January 2025.
