Airtel ordered to pay N210m for copyright breach of song
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled against Airtel Networks Limited for unlawfully using the song “Nigeria Go Survive.” The court found that Airtel infringed on the copyright of the song’s producer, Veno Marioghae Mbanefo, by using it without permission. Justice Ibrahim Kala awarded N210m in damages and issued injunctions to prevent further unauthorised use. Both parties were represented by legal teams in the case.
What we know
- Airtel Networks Limited was found to have used “Nigeria Go Survive” without a licence or authorisation from Veno Marioghae Mbanefo.
- Justice Ibrahim Kala awarded N200m as general damages and N10m as cost of action, totalling N210m.
- The court granted both mandatory and perpetual injunctions, prohibiting Airtel from further unauthorised use of the song.
- The plaintiff’s alternative request for an account of profits was refused, but her main claims on infringement and damages were upheld.
- Airtel’s legal team had asked for the suit to be dismissed, but the court found in favour of Mbanefo.
