A Federal High Court in Lagos has imposed a sum of N2 million fine on 9mobile, Airtel, Globacom and others over copyright infringement of Okiki Bright musical work Gbagbe boshe sele.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo on Friday delivered judgment in suit number: FHC/L/CS/1776/2017 in favour of Nigerian hip hop Artiste, Raji Mutiu Okiki popularly called Okiki Bright held that 9mobile, Airtel, Globacom and others infringed on the copyright of Okiki Bright for using his musical work titled Gbagbe boshe sele as caller tune for commercial exploit without his consent and authorisation.
The court resolved that Okiki Bright and Oritsefemi are not co-owners of the song “Gbagbe boshe sele” saying featuring Oritsefemi in a song does not make Oritsafemi a co-owner of the said song.
The plaintiff in his suit filed by his counsel, Alayo Akanbi prayed the court to declare him as the exclusive owner and original composer of the musical work titled Gbagbe boshe sele, and that unauthorized use of his song as caller tune by the telecommunications for commercial exploit without his authority amounts to infringement on his copyright to the musical work.
Okiki Bright equally asked for monetary damages cumulatively against the defendants for infringing on his intellectual property.
Justice Oweibo awarded general and exemplary damages in the sum of N2 million and cost of N500,000 each against the telecommunication companies and in favour of the Plaintiff.
