Court Dismisses N500m Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Singer Kcee, E-Money

A federal high court in Lagos has dismissed a N500 million copyright infringement lawsuit filed against musician Kcee, businessman E-Money, and Five Star Music Limited.

The case, initiated by Nigerian composer Jude Nnam, alleged that Kcee had unlawfully included three of Nnam’s songs—‘Som Too Chukwu’, ‘Otito Diri Chineke’, and ‘K’ Anyi Jee N’ Ulo Chukwu’—on his album Cultural Praise Vol. 1 without permission.

Nnam sought N500 million in damages, claiming that the defendants violated his copyright and demanded compensation for royalties as well as a halt to the alleged infringement.

He also requested N5 million for litigation costs.

However, the presiding judge, Kehinde Ogundare, dismissed the case, citing a lack of credible evidence.

Kcee and E-Money denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and an extortion attempt.

As part of the ruling, the court also awarded Nnam N1 million in punitive costs.

The legal battle had been ongoing since 2021